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AAP
AAP
Oliver Caffrey

Carlton embracing pressure of Hawthorn blockbuster

Carlton coach Michael Voss says the Blues are embracing the challenge of securing a finals spot. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Carlton are not backing away from the pressure of their premiership hopes going on the line against Hawthorn, treating the opportunity as a privilege.

After losing four of their past five games, the Blues' season has taken a dramatic turn ahead of Sunday's bumper clash at the MCG.

Last week's agonising three-point defeat to Collingwood dropped Carlton back to eighth, just three weeks after they sat in second and seemed destined to secure a top-four finish for the first time since 2000.

The Blues are clinging onto a position in the top eight, with surging Hawthorn (10th) coming for their spot with just three rounds remaining.

"What we're fortunate to do is we get the back end of the year - like 10 other clubs - where all the games matter," Voss said.

"It's a privilege we're in the position to play those sort of games, playing against an opposition that are looking to cut their way through the competition as well. 

"We're hoping we get plenty of supporters along, getting our 80,000-plus would be nice: we're looking forward to the moment."

Carlton were forced into making two changes with midfielder Adam Cerra (hamstring) and pressure forward Matthew Cottrell (shoulder) making way for Zac Williams and Lachie Cowan.

There has been doubt surrounding star Charlie Curnow after he rolled his ankle in the last quarter against the Magpies, but Voss is "confident" the dual Coleman medallist will be right to play.

"It's being able to build that cohesion amongst one another ... mainly do it for a longer period of time," Voss said.

"The competition we've played against, what it feels like over the year is a really high level. 

"The games we're talking about have been against the Western Bulldogs, GWS and Port Adelaide, teams that have been pretty handy sides." 

Hawthorn have made just one change, dropping Josh Ward to include Cam McKenzie.

The Hawks put tagger Finn Maginness in their extended squad, but resisted the urge to bring him in for a job on Carlton captain Patrick Cripps.

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