Michael Voss will give Sam Docherty the same treatment as every other Carlton player when the defender makes his remarkable AFL return against Richmond on Thursday night.
Docherty has been picked to play just months after undergoing chemotherapy to treat a recurrence of testicular cancer.
The popular 28-year-old's selection gave his teammates a lift when it was announced earlier this week.
But while Voss described Docherty's comeback as "inspirational", the new Blues coach won't be making any special allowances for the 122-game veteran.
"We haven't shied away from any of that sort of conversation," Voss said.
"We've spoken a lot about being able to generate an 18-man system that's not reliant on one particular person.
"We understand that players will step up in their moment when they need to but fundamentally if we can stay together as a footy team and play together then he plays one role in that.
"That's all we've asked him (Docherty) to do, nothing more special than that."
Voss praised Docherty's resilience and expects the former Carlton co-captain will take time to reflect on his path back to football when the dust settles over the weekend.
He said the Blues' playing group had "responded in a really powerful way" to the news of Docherty's round-one return.
"I don't think you need any more motivation than being able to get out there on the weekend and play together as a football team," Voss said.
"But it does feel right that he's out there with us and to start this journey with him in it just feels right."
The Blues will be bolstered by the inclusion of off-season recruits George Hewett and Adam Cerra against Richmond but will be without All-Australian star Sam Walsh for the early rounds because of an ankle injury.
Voss is reluctant to put a timeline on the gun midfielder's return.
"We've been largely guided by the medical team and some of the milestones that he's been able to reach, and he's still got a few more to go," Voss said.
"I understand we're all on Sam Walsh watch but when he reaches the milestones that he needs to be able to, then he'll get looked at."
