FIFTY-goal seasons may be a thing of the past for Eddie Betts but Carlton coach David Teague is more than satisfied with his veteran goalsneak's output in 2020.

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After missing round one against Richmond back in March, Betts had a relatively quiet return against Melbourne with one goal from eight touches but he was a huge factor in the shock victory over Geelong at GMHBA Stadium last Saturday night. 

The 33-year-old booted two goals from 12 disposals in the two-point win against the Cats, along with a game-high three goal assists among his seven score involvements. 

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Teague said the absence of eye-catching numbers next to Betts' name wasn't a concern. 

"Playing that role, people often measure it by goals and it's not always the case," he said. 

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"I thought last week… he hit the scoreboard but it was more the ones he set up and his tackling and his pressure – he did a great smother and he made that last tackle. 

"It's his ability to find a way to get to as many contests as he can all the time. It's that effort that we're more looking at, rather than the results. We're not really into the stats sheet as much."

The Blues will field a new-look attack in Saturday's clash against arch rival Essendon at the MCG after big man Harry McKay was forced out with sore ribs. 

McKay is expected to recover for round five but, in the meantime, Teague has faith in his versatile mid-sized forwards, including Jack Martin and Jack Silvagni, to carry more of the load in the air.

Saturday night will also mark the senior debut for top-20 draftee Sam Philp, who is expected to complement Carlton's inside-midfield grunt with blistering pace. 

"What we love about Philpy is he cracks in, he tries. He's got some serious speed and we just want him to get at the opposition and have a bit of fun," Teague said.

"What he has brought to this group is some dash and some speed, and we're looking forward to that."