Carlton Coach Mick Malthouse rejects any suggestion that Friday night's clash against Collingwood will be season defining. 

"They (games) have all been huge and they have all been tough. Every side we have played, we have been competitive."

Malthouse also dismisses any assumption that his previous experience at Collingwood plays as an advantage. 

"It doesn't take long for a side to change. It's more to look at recent history than worry about how familiar you are with their game style and so forth. Right now they've (Collingwood) played 14 or 15 games, and they've played well enough to be in the eight. That's what we take into consideration."

"We also go back to round 2. What did we do right? What did we do wrong? We led at three-quarter time and lost the game. How did we lose the game? What's changed from round 2 to round 15? Have both sides changed? I would say that we certainly have and I'd be surprised if Collingwood haven't."

Malthouse says that the Blues have improved since round one and continue to do so. 

"We are very satisfied with where we are at. From round one to now, we are a better side. We are more advanced in a lot of areas. We are better placed, better formed and have a very good comprehension of the game and far more appreciation of the game."