Carlton coach John Barker has no doubt his young Blues will get a football “education” when they play Fremantle at Domain Stadium on Saturday night.
 
The Blues are prepared for Fremantle to come out “breathing fire” after a 72-point loss to Hawthorn last week. Barker hopes his players learn valuable lessons in the heat of the battle.
 
“They’ll get an education tomorrow night, which will do wonders for them in terms of their mindsets going forward of what’s required at this level,” Barker told Perth radio station 6PR on Thursday night.
 
“His (Lyons) team will be superbly drilled…we know there’s going to be a sharper focus in their camp.”
 
With Freo’s Nat Fyfe and David Mundy playing in the midfield, Carlton’s latest debutant, another big-bodied centre, will be sure to learn a thing or two.

18-year-old Western Australian Brad Walsh, who Barker says is “not so little”, will debut in his hometown, having played in Perth for the WAFL side Peel Thunder.
 
“He’s going to play and it’s a great story, he captained WA in the 2014 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
 
“He’s got a really good build, great character and he’s worked really hard since he’s come across – we’re looking forward to him taking his opportunity on Saturday.”
 
With Carlton blooding another debutant, the Blues’ team on Saturday night will consist of a first-gamer, a seconder-gamer and nine players who have played less that 50 games.
 
Barker says each young Blue has earned their spot in the side through hard work, determination and a team-first mentality.
 
“They’ve had to earn their spot via what they stand for and it needs to be in alignment with our team ethos.
 
“They don’t have to shoot the lights out but as long as they work in a really strong manner on what we want to stand for, they’re going to get some on-field time.
 
“The second they deviate from team-first, then that’s when they put their spot in jeopardy.”
 
When it comes to beating a premiership contender, the coach says pressure acts and effort go a long way to keeping any side in the contest.

“We know when you give really strong effort you allow yourself to be in games and then it’s about your smarts, the ability to execute and make good decisions, which lets you get closer to winning games,” Barker said.
 
The Blues take on the Dockers at Domain Stadium on Saturday night, kicking of at 7.40pm AEST.