The depth of Carlton’s midfield cannot be underestimated despite the loss of Captain Chris Judd and ruckman Matthew Kreuzer, according to Bulldog livewire Luke Dahlhaus on the eve of Saturday night’s clash at Etihad Stadium.

The 19 year old believes the Bulldogs will need to be on task for the full four quarters to counteract the twelfth placed Blues as they make one last push for a finals berth.

Watch Luke Dahlhaus answer Members and Fans questions in #AskDahl on the media player above.

While Judd is ruled out of Saturday’s clash through suspension, the ability of Marc Murphy, Andrew Carrazzo and Brock McLean around the ball cannot be disregarded.

With Dogs leading ruckman Will Minson lining up against Carlton debutant Levi Casboult, it is be vital that the Bulldogs take advantage of first use of the ball to dictate the flow of the game from the centre clearances. 

“[Judd’s] absence is definitely good but I think you just have to look at their list and the talent they have around the ball - they are always going to be a good team even without him,” Dahlhaus said.

“They are a team that likes to hold onto the footy and hit up targets so we are going to have to be on our game to stop them from doing that.”

Providing a spark in the Bulldogs forward line, Dahlhaus believes his role this week will predominantly be forward of the centre square but is hopeful to lend a hand through the midfield when needed.

“Just starting forward and doing what I usually do - probably as a high forward getting to the crumb of the ball, a bit of forward pressure,” he said.

“I am not sure if I will be up in the midfield but hopefully I will get a short stint.”

Averaging over four tackles, 17.8 disposals and four marks in the past five weeks, Dahlhaus is gaining momentum as the season progresses - while his pressure acts and willingness to chase has stepped up in his second season.