BEN RUTTEN booted goals with his first three kicks in the AFL, but he’ll be looking to stifle such a strike rate for Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola come Saturday.

‘Fev’ re-signed with the Blues on Thursday after protracted contract talks and, against the Crows, will be looking to show the club they’ve made the right decision. But the 25-year-old Adelaide defender is confident of taking the points in what looms as a head-to-head battle.

“I’d like to play on Fev. I’ve sort of set myself for him and I like playing on him, so if that’s the way it falls, I’ll be looking forward to it,” he said on Thursday.

Rutten has an All-Australian jersey to his name, holds a place in Adelaide’s leadership group and possesses one of the most imposing, physical frames in the competition, so it’s easy to forget he’s played fewer than 100 AFL games.

He became a regular in the Crows line up when coach Neil Craig took over late in 2004 and, one year later, with just 34 games under his belt, was named the All-Australian full back.

After starting his career on the club’s rookie list, he admits he’s still learning his craft and Saturday’s clash with Fevola marks another stage in the consistent Crow’s development.

“I’m still pretty young, so hopefully, I can keep improving. I think that’s why we all keep playing, to improve, and to better ourselves and weeks like this are always a good test to see where you’re at,” Rutten said.

The duo have faced off twice this season, the first in round six when Rutten restricted Fevola to one goal before injuring his back and, secondly, in the offensively-minded Hall of Fame Tribute Match when the Carlton star was awarded the Allan Aylett medal for best on ground.

Fevola has averaged just two goals in eight games against the Crows with his best return seven goals, coming in round 11, 2004, while Rutten was still playing for SANFL club West Adelaide.

Last week, Western Bulldogs defender Brian Lake niggled and frustrated ‘Fev’ into an insipid first half, but he turned the tables in the second half with five match-winning goals.

“I don’t intend to buy into any of those [niggling] tactics,” Rutten said with a laugh.

“Fev’s a quality player and, with some good supply, he can be pretty damaging.

“I’m going to be relying on a bit of help and if I can cut him down on the lead, I’ll be going a fair way towards keeping him quiet.”

Rutten, with 96 games to his name, is one of a number of Crows set to achieve personal milestones before the end of the season.

Superstar Andrew McLeod is on track to play his 300th game next week and will share the day with Neil Craig, who will coach his 100th AFL game.

“I’m still chipping away at the ton. I think I’m equal with Stevo [Scott Stevens] at the moment in the race for 100 games,” Rutten said.

“We’re set to get it in the second-to-last game if everything goes well, so that will be a nice little achievement.”