'Do something special': Blues hunt key win without star
Harry McKay's sore knee has dealt Carlton a significant blow on the eve of their must-win game against Essendon, forcing the club to make a fifth change.
McKay missed Thursday's main training session and the Blues confirmed on Saturday morning that he will sit out Sunday's MCG blockbuster against their arch-rivals.
Hudson O'Keeffe will make his AFL debut as McKay's replacement, while Michael Voss had already recalled Jack Silvagni, Zac Williams, Orazio Fantasia and Alex Cincotta for the critical clash.
The Blues are mired in a 4-7 record and a misfiring attack as they return from their bye. With McKay out, Charlie Curnow is now their main key forward.
Fellow forward Lachie Fogarty is acutely aware his optimism is an unpopular opinion, but he feels the Blues can do plenty in the second half of the season.
Carlton have been in most games this year and showcased what is possible with an excellent round-seven win over Geelong.
"I have a lot of belief that we can still do something special. A lot of people would find that hard to believe," Fogarty told AAP.
"We're doing a lot of things right in terms of defence and our contest work has been as good as ever.
"Again, it probably goes back to the scores per inside 50s - we rank 18th in the competition. It's something we've been getting after for a while.
"We're working on that connection between midfielders and forwards and making sure we're running the right patterns."
The Blues also know better than anyone that fortunes can turn quickly in such an even league, having gone on a roll at the end of 2023.
Likewise, Hawthorn stormed into last year's finals after a barren start and Melbourne are right back in the hunt this season.
"We definitely know it is possible ... it doesn't matter where it's at, you have to put up your best fight, no matter what. Anything is possible," Fogarty said.
The Blues forward returned from his hamstring injury and kicked two goals in their pre-bye loss to GWS.
He is in a good space, having enjoyed a strong pre-season.
"It's probably been a bit of a challenge, win-loss, but at the same time I'm a pretty positive person," he said.
Should the Blues fix their woes ahead of centre, Curnow will be licking his lips given the injured-riddled Bombers defence.
But Essendon were outstanding last week in a narrow away loss to Brisbane and will fancy their chances.
Other than the motivation of taking on one of their biggest rivals, Carlton will also honour club heritage by wearing the special-edition "Blueout" guernsey on Sunday night.
It changes the iconic club symbol from white to a shade of blue.
The first time they wore the Blueout jumper? Round three, 2017 - a win over Essendon.
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