GREATER Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy believes Carlton will rest players against the GIANTS at Etihad Stadium on Sunday "at their own risk".
The third-placed Blues have hinted at leaving several first-choice players out of the clash with the competition’s bottom side, but the ever-combative Sheedy warned Carlton to be wary of the improving GIANTS.
"They won't want to think they're going to get percentage at the rate they feel they might," Sheedy told reporters after training at Blacktown.
"We're bringing our losing margin down (each week). We played three pretty good quarters last week (against the Western Bulldogs) and won one of them.
"They make decisions at their risk.
"It's not as if I don't like coaching against Carlton. There hasn't been a lot of love there."
Hard running GIANTS midfielder Devon Smith said that he was looking forward to returning to Melbourne this weekend to play his first AFL match in his home town.
"It's exciting. We played at Etihad last year against Vic Metro and got pumped so I don't have fond memories there but I'm looking forward to it."
Giants youngster Dylan Shiel, who grew up idolising Chris Judd and followed the Blues skipper to Caulfield Grammar before joining GWS, admits he would prefer to face a full-strength Carlton side.
"It's obviously disappointing, you want to play against the best teams you can," Shiel said.
"All teams are at different stages in development and (some are) going for the flag, and Carlton are very close to it.
"It's understandable why they might rest some very good players, but it's disappointing."
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While Carlton ponders which players to leave out, the GIANTS will welcome back ruckman Dean Brogan, while Setanta O'hAilpin is a strong chance to make his GWS debut against his old side.
Chad Cornes has suffered a setback with what is believed to be a calf problem and won't play, while Israel Folau also missed training on Wednesday with a virus and in some doubt.
GWS has so far played games in Sydney, Hobart, Adelaide and Canberra, but this week will be its first trip to Melbourne.
Sheedy, who had so many epic battles with the Blues in his 27 years coaching Essendon, is trying to prepare his young team for the challenge.
"We just want to make sure they don't get overawed by the stadium," he said.
"There will probably be 35,000 mostly Carlton people there. Last week we had most of the fans barracking for us in Canberra, but it'll be a big challenge for our boys."
Sheedy was also asked about the cross-town Sydney Swans, who have generated some buzz in the harbour city through their unbeaten start to the year.
The four-time premiership coach warned the Swans they had some big challenges ahead, but said their start was beneficial to both clubs.
"I think it's great for footy in Sydney," he said.
"It's something that I wouldn't get over the top about, but they've done well, they've had a very small number of injuries and they've recruited well.
"It's about winning premierships, and they have a chance to build up and have one more look before maybe some of their players get a little bit older and won't be there.
"It's fantastic for AFL footy in Sydney because we're growing and developing (and) they're up there with a big chance."
AFL Premiership Season Round 6
Carlton v GWS GIANTS
Etihad Stadium
Sunday May 6, 1.10pm
