Young Cat Cam Guthrie admits Friday night’s clash with Carlton will be a “tough battle” particularly in the middle of the ground.

The emerging talent told the Geelong Advertiser that despite being equal-first on the ladder, the Cats were expecting a fierce battle with 13th-placed Carlton.

“They had a really good win against Gold Coast, so we will head into the game knowing they are in some pretty good form.

“We played them not that long ago and we know they will be a tough match up,” Guthrie said.

Last time the two teams met was in round 12 this year, when the Cats got over the line by 3 points in what was a thrilling last quarter.

Geelong was up by 19 at half time before the Blues hit the lead at three-quarter time.

James Kelly led the disposal count for the Cats, with 27, and Tom Hawkins was fantastic, kicking four goals.

Carlton’s Bryce Gibbs had a day out, collecting 29 disposals for the match and booting four goals.

“Gibbs was great against us last time and of course they have got Murphy and Judd," Guthrie said.

Blues’ skipper Marc Murphy has averaged 25 disposals for the season, whilst recently resigned veteran Chris Judd has averaged 20 disposals in an injury-interrupted season.

“It’ll be a tough challenge on Friday night, but hopefully we can do all the right things and set ourselves up for a good win.

“Any time you can get the four points is really valuable,” Guthrie said.

Securing the four points on Friday isn’t just valuable for the Cats; it’s crucial, with the top three still yet to be determined.

Geelong will be looking to finish second on the ladder to lock in a home final for the first week of September.

21-year-old Guthrie said the transition into the midfield has been enjoyable and he’s relishing his time against the best in the business.

“(Playing in the midfield has) been great. It’s been a change to what I have been used to over the past three years where I have been playing as a defender.

“I am really enjoying it and the coaches are showing a lot of faith in me and keep giving me a big challenge which I am enjoying and appreciating,” Guthrie said.

Guthrie has often taken on an offensive tagging role this season, coming up against champion midfielders such as Nathan Fyfe, Patrick Dangerfield and Trent Cotchin.

“I have played on some good players who are probably some of the best in the comp.

“Any time you get to spend time on those guys you always take something out of it,” Guthrie said.