LACHIE Plowman is ready for the challenge of lining up on Geelong power forward Tom Hawkins on Sunday at Etihad Stadium, the Carlton defender says.

Plowman arrived from Greater Western Sydney at the end of last year and has played six consecutive games.

Hip surgery in the pre-season held him back, but Plowman has since established himself in the Blues' backline.

Considering the way modern defenders switch opponents, Plowman will likely spend some time on Hawkins.

"It will be a good challenge," he said before training on Wednesday.

"Hopefully I can see myself there for a little bit.

"As a backline, we like to be flexible with each other … so it will be a bit of a challenge."

Despite giving up 22kg and 7cm to the burly big man, Plowman said he had tactics to combat Hawkins.

"There's always ways around it – try to sit off a little bit or get into them early."

Geelong is second on the ladder and will be looking to rebound after a loss to Collingwood last Saturday.

The Blues are also coming off a defeat, after the undefeated North Melbourne broke Carlton's run of four wins.

Plowman, 21, expressed confidence his team could cause an upset.

"This year, as you can see across the whole board, anybody can beat anybody," he said.

The Blues brought him into the club, along with former Giants Andrew Phillips, Liam Sumner, Jed Lamb and the No. 8 pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft, for an array of draft selections.

The operation on his right hip came not even two months after he became a Blue, but Plowman said although the timing was unfortunate, he was now reaping the rewards.

"(It was) very frustrating, especially when you want to put your hand up and get a good start at your new club and impress the new coaches," he said.

"At the same time, it was the right thing to do, (to) just get myself back on the right track. As you can see now, it's paying dividends."

It wasn't the first time his career has been halted by a physical ailment. A dislocated left elbow saw him go under the knife and miss the first half of 2015.

It was the same joint he hurt in his draft year, when GWS chose him at No. 3.

"I'm happy with how I'm going now and fingers crossed I can stay injury free," Plowman said.