Geelong defender Zach Guthrie has urged teammate Bailey Smith to continue playing on the edge, as long as the high-profile midfielder's on-field antics don't become a distraction.
Smith has been constantly in the spotlight since joining the Cats from the Western Bulldogs - mostly for the right reasons.
But minor indiscretions have threatened to divert his focus at times, ahead of a huge clash with Carlton at the MCG on Sunday.
Smith has twice been fined for obscene hand gestures directed at opposition supporters this month, and was also charged with misconduct for slamming a ball into Hawthorn player Jarman Impey's head.
The 24-year-old's individuality has been celebrated by Geelong, with coach Chris Scott among those railing against suggestions the Cats' boom acquisition should tone it down.
"That's his personality," Guthrie told AAP.
"He's a very energetic guy and as long as his mind is still on task and he's playing the right way and helping the team, which he's been doing with his play out on the field, then I'm fine with it.
"Every individual's got a different way they go about it, and that's his.
"But he's able to perform for us and that's the most important thing."
Smith, who played 103 games with the Bulldogs, has returned with a bang after a year out with a knee injury and formed a potent partnership with fellow Geelong dasher Max Holmes.
In five appearances with the Cats he is averaging career-best numbers of 29.6 disposals, 11.6 contested possessions, 5.4 clearances and 5.2 tackles per game.
"He's been huge. He provides that run, which is really good, and he's obviously a really good inside player as well," Guthrie said.
"So to have that balance and him working in tandem with Max Holmes through the midfield has been great for us.
"He brings plenty of energy and I think him and Max are going to be really important players for us for many years."
Geelong (4-2) have lost Gryan Miers (concussion) and Mitch Knevitt (foot), and dropped Ted Clohesy, as they seek to continue a strong start to the season with a fourth straight win.
Oisin Mullin, Oliver Wiltshire and Jhye Clark have been called up.
Meanwhile, Carlton welcome back Harry McKay after a week out with concussion in place of Lewis Young.
After a horror 0-4 start, the Blues have steadied with wins over lowly West Coast and North Melbourne.
Another big crowd is expected at the MCG as Carlton celebrate the 30-year anniversary of their most recent premiership.
The Blues, led by Greg Williams and Stephen Kernahan, comfortably accounted for Geelong in the 1995 decider.
Michael Voss's men have won two of the last three meetings between the sides, including a 63-point hammering in round 16 last year.
"I look to their form over the last few years and they've been a really dangerous side," Guthrie said.
"I think they're going to find their feet and play some really dangerous footy as the season goes on.
"We've certainly seen it in patches in the last few weeks.
"That's modern footy - you've got to be at your best every week to come away with a win, so we're going to have to be right up for it."
