The Blues inconsistent season was reflected in their 71-point loss to Sydney last week. An impressive first half, backed up by a 10 goal to nil third quarter.
Against another top 8 side, Carlton has the chance to atone.
“I know that the North Melbourne side have got into a position that they weren’t and haven’t been in for the last couple of seasons. That makes a dangerous animal, because they sniff finals,” Malthouse said on Thursday.
“We know they are a form side, we know they’ve got some confidence.
“We cannot just make an assumption, ‘we’re out of the finals, forget it, train for next year’.
“Our job is to address the previous week or a collection of weeks that show an area we are down in, and try to make sure the following week, which is North Melbourne, we come out the other side and marry up those figures and say ‘we have actually achieved’.”
Malthouse piled praise on his coaching counterpart and former assistant.
“I really admire and get on very well with Brad Scott,” he said.
“He’s worn a lot of criticism over the last couple of seasons when his side has faded, and the general perception is it’s the coach that loses the games and the players that win games.
“He’s copped a fair bit. I like the way he’s able to be highly passionate.”
Hosting a clash against North as the home team for the first time since 2008, the Blues will be hoping to replicate last year’s one-point win.
Asked whether Jarrad Waite and Jeff Garlett were likely to be considered for selection, Malthouse answered simply.
“Yeah they are.”
Meanwhile, Troy Menzel has overcome a shoulder injury and is a certainty to play.
