Right now, the prospect of going head-to-head with Hawthorn sensation Lance Franklin must be just about the toughest assignment for any defender - but it's one that Carlton's Jarrad Waite is ready to take on.Franklin was the star of the opening round of NAB Cup matches last weekend - his four final term goals at Telstra Dome single-handedly lifting the Hawks to a 24-point come-from-behind win over Melbourne.But Waite, starting in defence for the Blues for first time at senior level, was not far behind for his outstanding job on Scott Lucas in Carlton's thrilling four-point victory.Waite is one of the few defenders in the competition with the height, pace, good hands and ground-level skills to match it with Franklin, and would seem the obvious choice for the job when the Blues and Hawks clash at Aurora Stadium in Launceston on Saturday evening."Buddy Franklin's a very good player, obviously kicked five goals at the weekend, a very exciting talent … so if I get an opportunity that would be great," said Waite after training at MC Labour Park on Wednesday morning."He plays a little bit like Lucas, a left-footer, and he's just so good when the ball hits the ground. I'll take the opportunity if it comes to me."Waite's preparedness to attack the ball, an approach that's second nature to someone who's spent so much of his career as a leading forward, was one of the outstanding features of his effort against the Bombers.On several occasions Waite left his man to intercept passes intended for Matthew Lloyd at critical moments in a tense finale, suggesting that he has a good feel for his new role.And rebounding is something the 24-year-old has the potential to elevate to an art form."It's your instincts, I suppose. As a forward you have to lead yourself and in defence you follow your man. But if the ball is there and you can get it you might as well go after it," Waite said."We've been told all pre-season to back ourselves so when the opportunity came if I felt that I could get the ball I just went and got it."On Saturday it paid off for me but it's not going to work like that every time.Waite said that while Essendon's senior defenders Mal Michael and Dustin Fletcher had their hands full trying to adapt to the new hands-in-the-back interpretation, the Blues had adapted fairly well so far."Apparently if you've got an open hand you're not allowed to do it, but if you've got a closed fist or use your forearm it's fair game. There's no real difference," he said.