MICK Malthouse has hit back at criticism of Marc Murphy's work ethic and defensive efforts, saying data shows that the Carlton skipper is working up to eight per cent harder than last year.

 

Ahead of the winless Blues' big round three clash with the undefeated Geelong at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, the Blues coach defended Murphy's output in the opening two rounds, insisting he had absorbed a "high workload" to date.

 

"In statistical data alone, his work ethic from last year has increased dramatically," the Carlton coach said of Murphy on Friday morning.

 

"I think it's mirroring his performance. He was one of our better players last week.

 

"I do know that his actual work ethic – and we can measure that now – is something like eight per cent higher than last year."

 

Malthouse also spoke glowingly of veteran Heath Scotland, the reigning best and fairest winner who will return to the Blues' line-up after serving a two-match club-imposed suspension.

 

Malthouse was quick to clarify that when he was Collingwood coach he did not "get rid of" Scotland at the end of 2003, insisting Scotland had chosen to leave the Pies because he wanted more opportunities in the midfield and Malthouse didn't believe he could break into the Pies' engine room.

 

Malthouse said they had remained in contact over the past decade because Scotland was still close to several Collingwood players with whom the coach also shared strong bonds.

 

"We always had respect for one another," he said.

 

Malthouse said he spoke to his players about the 32-year-old on Friday morning before their closed training session.

 

"He just keeps reinventing himself … but if you haven't got a grim determination to be better, and to have a massive amount of pride in your performance, which Heath has, then reinventing yourself bears no fruit," he said.

 

The Blues have also promoted 20-year-old midfielder Dylan Buckley for his AFL debut. His father Jim played 164 games for Carlton and was a best and fairest winner and a three-time premiership player.

 

Malthouse said Buckley had been rewarded for his VFL form and his endeavour.

 

"There's no hand-outs here. We don't hand out games. He's earned the right," he said.

 

The Blues have lost eight of their past 10 games against the Cats, including their past three in a row. They have never beaten Geelong at Etihad Stadium, losing their 10 clashes there by an average of 43 points.

 

Heath Scotland is a defender/midfielder in NAB AFL Fantasy. He averaged 95.8 points in 2012. Register your team at our AFL Fantasy Hub.