Michael Voss has warned Carlton to be on guard for a fierce on-field response from GWS amid the fallout from Leon Cameron's resignation.
The Blues are flying at 6-2 in their best start to a season since 1996 and travel north for a round-nine AFL clash with an opponent that has struggled this season.
But Voss is wary of a possible uplift in GWS's performance after Cameron announced on Thursday he will stand down as coach after Sunday's fixture.
A similar situation played out last year, when Collingwood sent off Nathan Buckley in style with a surprise win over ladder leaders Melbourne, the eventual premiers.
"We're all somewhat expecting that, I mean, we expect it to be quite fierce with how they want to play," Blues coach Voss said.
"We're at their home venue and that in itself makes the task a little bit more difficult.
"The fact that there's that added motivation, that only adds to the story of the game.
"We're very aware of the environment that we're walking into and we have to make sure that we bring our best game."
Carlton have never won at Giants Stadium, losing on all five previous visits in an unwanted record that includes a six-goal defeat there last season.
"It doesn't matter the scenario, the situation or where we play, it shouldn't impact us as a footy team," Voss said it.
"We know we're going to get their best and we have to make sure we return serve."
Carlton have lost Coleman Medal winner Harry McKay to a knee injury for the next six weeks and key defender Lewis Young has entered health and safety protocols.
It leaves the Blues short on talls, with Marc Pittonet, Oscar McDonald and Mitch McGovern already out injured.
"We're running out ... but we certainly feel like we've got a group out there that can play the way that we want us to be able to play," Voss said.
"The guys are in really good form and the guys that we bring in are in really good form.
"We'll go up there confident in what we've been able to do, especially with some results we've had in the last couple of weeks."
Jesse Motlop will debut for the Blues, replacing fellow livewire Jack Martin (calf) in the forward line.
Motlop is the son of former North Melbourne and Port Adelaide star Daniel Motlop.
