The Blues face Sydney in a First Semi-Final showdown at ANZ Stadium, and Malthouse says his team is up for the challenge. 

"Travelling away, in all my time of coaching sides that travel, there seems to be an added buzz of a collective and of wanting to work together," Malthouse said. 

"So being on the road is not a daunting matter whatsoever – it's almost the opposite in it actually gels the side."

Meanwhile, Malthouse has praised the recent form of Rob Warnock, who was superb in the ruck in the Elimination Final win over the Tigers.  

"It really has been terrific," Malthouse said of Warnock's form. "He's such a good kid – it's such a credit to him.

"I have only had him for 12 months, but there has never been a issue with him in where he plays. He just wants to be part of the football club and he just wants to play senior footy, clearly."

But there is some doubt over Carlton's other ruckman Matthew Kreuzer, who is nursing a calf complaint.

Malthouse remains "extremely hopeful" that Kreuzer will play, but says the 24-year-old is part of a group of "players in a six-day break who need to be managed."