CARLTON interim coach David Teague is confident the Blues are in the mind frame to make a strong start against the Swans at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues have fielded a more attacking game style with Teague at the helm, notching two wins over the last month and two losses within a goal.

Despite concern over the Blues’ slow starts in recent weeks, Teague believed the team would be switched on from the first bounce when they take on the Swans for the second time this year.

“We talk about what we can control and where our mind is going at the start of games,” Teague said.

“When they come at us, where does out mind go and making sure that we’re in a position to compete strongly and just stick to basics really.”

“It’s about executing the basics really well under pressure so that’s what we’re looking forward to doing this week.”

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Debutant Hugh Goddard will make the trip to Sydney for his first senior game in navy since arriving at Carlton in off-season.

Goddard has shown great consistency playing with the Northern Blues so far this year, named among the team’s best on several occasions, while also being given the additional responsibility of captaining the team in recent weeks. While his inclusion comes at the cost of injured defenders Caleb Marchbank and Jacob Weitering, Teague was pleased to inform the young Blue that he would get his opportunity at the senior level this weekend.

“It is one of the good things as a senior coach, you get to have that opportunity to share those moments and his form has been as consistent as anyone at this football club,” he said.

“Liam Jones, Jacob Weitering and Levi Casboult have been playing really well in that key back position but this week he [Goddard] gets an opportunity.”

“I hope he grabs it, I’m really looking forward to seeing how he goes.”