Hawthorn Coach Sam Mitchell says his side is ready for a challenge when it faces Carlton this Sunday at the MCG. 

Speaking to the media on Friday at Bunjil Bagora, Mitchell said the Blues had several "important" players that would require attention.

"I think their midfield is really deep - they've got a lot of very good players. I think Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps are the two names that come in lights," he said.

"But the more I scouted them this week, the more I realised how many important players in there.

"Sam Docherty, and Blake Acres and guys like that continue to be really strong with them and so consistent in the way they behave and go about things.

"We know Carlton at their best are a really potent side and we need to do what we can to limit them."

Mitchell said every week presented a new test for his young side, and coming up against the Blues would be no different. 

"We haven't been able to hit the scoreboard, last week Gold Coast took 28 intercept marks, 22 of them were in our forward half," Mitchell said.

"We've done a bit of work this week on our forward 50 entries as well as our contest work in front of the ball - we need more contests in front of the ball more consistently.

"We're focussed on what we're trying to achieve, we're trying to make progress in our own game and make sure we're playing in a way that is sustainable and is going to help us win finals game in the future.

"We're going to start off in our own way and we'll try and take away some of their (Carlton's) strengths at the same time."

Meanwhile, Mitchell said electric defender Changkuoth Jiath is set to make his return through the VFL on Saturday after battling a calf injury.

"Changkuoth will play tomorrow with Box Hill, he'll have some limited game time," Mitchell said.

"Obviously, he's been out for a while now so he'll play (through the VFL). I think everyone is excited to have him back and watch him have a run around."

Listen to Mitchell's full presser below.