The Cats were embarrassed with their efforts against Collingwood last Saturday afternoon at the MCG – as were Carlton following their 67-point loss to North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium a day later.

This week both will have the chance to right their wrongs but only one will be able to do so in what has become a significant match for the two clubs and their respective seasons.

Prior to the North Melbourne defeat, the Blues were flying high much to the surprise of many a football fan. Sitting at 0-4 and on the bottom of the AFL ladder after four rounds, Carlton went on a tear to square their ledger at 4-4 – claiming the scalps of Fremantle, Essendon, Collilngwood and Port Adelaide along the way.

Sweeping changes surely aren’t necessary on the back of one loss, but with players in the VFL putting their name up in lights on a weekly basis whilst some senior players battle with form, now may be the time for Blues’ coach Brendan Bolton to try something different.

Jed Lamb was quiet against the Kangaroos in round nine collecting just the eight disposals and two marks. The former Swan and Giant has been a solid contributor for his third club but with a similar player in Jason Tutt pushing hard in the reserves it may be the time to reward form. Tutt has been consistent in the VFL for weeks now and after a 37-disposal game last game he can’t do much more.

Another former Giant-turned-Blue has made a strong case for senior selection in Kristian Jaksch. The 21-year-old has not played senior football since round 21 last year but would add a missing element to a forward line without Levi Casboult. Jaksch kicked four goals in his last outing for the Northern Blues.

Small midfielder Nick Graham made headlines a few weeks ago when he laid 25 tackles in a single VFL match. He’s continued to rack up the numbers since with another 32 disposals last week and having been named first emergency must be knocking on the door.

Back at AFL level, veteran Andrew Walker didn’t see much of the ball in his fourth game back from injury and is only averaging eight disposals. Brendan Bolton may choose to keep getting game time into the 30-year-old but on the back of a hard loss, his own poor form and the form below, Walker could find himself in the VFL.

Andrejs Everitt was far from prolific against North Melbourne in round nine with 10 disposals and two marks. It would be unlikely to see the 27-year-old dropped, however, as he remains a key member of the Carlton outfit – having booted three goals with 20 disposals and eight marks in the Blues’ round seven win over Collingwood.

Big man Sam Rowe did little against North as he was forced to play away from his usual defensive post and sit forward. He too is crucial to the Blues’ success and it’s hard to see him left out of the side to face the Cats – not to mention if he is earmarked for a return to the back half should Jaksch be brought into the side up forward.

The final point to note is father-son draftee Jack Silvagni. His chances of making an AFL debut against Geelong are slim at best, but he continues to impress in his first year of VFL football and with another three goals last week a great story is brewing for Carlton this year.

With two potential change, here is how the Blues are predicted to line up in round 10 against the Cats:

OUT: A. Walker, J. Lamb

IN: K. Jaksch, J. Tutt