Carlton are under no illusions as to the enormity of their task on Friday night, assistant coach Robert Harvey said on Thursday morning.
Geelong were in a menacing mood last week but the in-form, full-strength Blues have recent history on their side.
Carlton have won their past two encounters against Geelong, by 35 and 36 points respectively, but Harvey said the Cats still presented the ultimate challenge.
"We realise the challenge we're under," Harvey said.
"Obviously they're back to their best. But we did really well against Geelong (last time) and hopefully we can replicate that. We feel we've started to get some form together so we can certainly go in and have a launch and put out best foot forward with a degree of confidence."
"We're going to go in with that same mindset of really trying to serve it up to them. We know what we're going to get with them, it's a matter of what we get with us. If we can get what we've got the last few weeks plus a bit, we're going to be competitive."
Harvey said the Blues were uncertain as to the full affects of the flu outbreak which has hit Geelong this week and caused the club to step up its quarantine procedures.
"At this stage they're all fit to play," Harvey said. "Whatever happens they're going to be strong and we know that so we'll prepare for that."
Joel Selwood and Jimmy Bartel both showed symptoms but Brad Ottens was hit particularly hard and was sent home from training on Tuesday, leading to speculation that he may be replaced by Mark Blake.
Irrespective of whether Ottens comes up, Harvey said the resurgent Robbie Warnock was a more than able match.
"Depending on whether Ottens comes up, we've got a really good ruckman in good form, we think in Robbie Warnock. As long as he comes with the right attitude, along with Shaun Hampson, then we know we can be competitive in the ruck stakes."
"Hopefully if he lifts again another notch, I think we can maybe get an advantage."