Michael Voss has dismissed his Brisbane Lions history as irrelevant, stressing his Carlton side are intent on forging their own path in their Gabba preliminary final.
The Blues coach was the Lions captain last time Brisbane won an AFL premiership in 2003 and coached the team for five seasons until he was sacked late in 2013.
The triple-premiership player has overseen an incredible Blues resurgence - from 15th place with four wins after 13 rounds - to reach the penultimate week of the season.
But he stressed on Friday that Carlton are not yet ready to end their campaign.
"It's somewhat irrelevant where (the game) actually is," Voss said of the narrative ahead of his club's first preliminary final since 2000.
"The fact we get to play at the Gabba and that's our way into the next step then so be it.
"That's the step we need to take.
"It's a lot of what other people talk about.
"I haven't spoken about it all, haven't shared my story with the players, because we're busy forging our own.
"We've got such a great story to tell and we get to lean into that. There's plenty that says we're ready for this moment."
Voss dismissed concerns about Sam Docherty's shoulder and any suggestion defender Jacob Weitering would carry a hand injury into Saturday's clash.
The Lions are unbeaten in 11 home games this season and remain the only team Voss has not got the better of as a coach.
But he said the Blues' high-octane path to this point - Carlton have won 11 of their last 12 games - meant his own beliefs had been challenged.
"I used to believe that you need to be able to play in finals to learn how to win them," he said.
"I've had a very different experience at Carlton, because we're playing in big games all the time.
"If it gets louder than our last couple of weeks I'll be somewhat surprised.
"Brisbane have proven their worth, but if you look at the most recent (form line), I reckon we stack up pretty well."
The Blues welcome back Harry McKay (concussion) and Jack Martin (suspended) while Voss has promoted Jordan Boyd and Ollie Hollands, with David Cuningham, Matthew Owies, Brodie Kemp and Matthew Kennedy the unlucky quartet to miss.
Owies has kicked goals in all but two of his 18 games this season while defender Boyd hasn't played an AFL game since round 18.
"We love Matty, all the spirit he brings," Voss said.
"Very tough; we've got 27, 28 players in some good form. You're operating with some tight margins."
