Ratten: Changes unlikely

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Coach Brett Ratten says Carlton is unlikely to make any changes to its winning team for Friday's clash with Geelong, unless injury forces Shaun Hampson or Aaron Joseph out.

Both battling ankle injuries suffered during last weekend's runaway 89-point win over Richmond, Hampson and Joseph were each forced from the field during the last quarter.

And while Ratten is confident that Joseph will come up ok, there is more doubt over Hampson's chances.

"Aaron's come to hand really quickly (so he's likely to play)," Ratten said on Tuesday afternoon.

"Shaun's a little bit slower but knowing that we didn't have to train I think he'll get tested more tomorrow (Wednesday) and then Thursday."

"Hampson will be the interesting one, Joseph's still around the mark and then you've got the players in the reserves so it will be interesting to see."

While the Blues have beaten the Cats in the past two encounters between the teams, the most recent in late April when Jeff Garlett (three goals), Eddie Betts (two goals) and Chris Yarran (two goals) kicked seven majors between them, Ratten remains reluctant to make unforced changes.

"Yeah I think so," Ratten responded when asked if the players from last week should be rewarded and retain their places ahead of the possible inclusion of someone like Yarran who has been playing in the VFL.

"I don't think you'd make many changes but depending on the blokes that you mentioned (Joseph and Hampson) ... if Shaun doesn't get up well (Sam) Jacobs will be really close, (Setanta) O'hAilpin's a chance, we'll have a look at that."

"I think it will be something that is brought up (that Yarran played well last time)."

"I think you always have a look at the last game and see what worked well for you if you won or what didn't work so well when you lost so his (Yarran's) name will come up but I think we're leaning towards not too many changes because of rewarding the players playing well."

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