CARLTON veteran Chris Judd has been ruled out for the Blues' NAB Cup mission north to face Sydney and the GWS Giants.

The dual Brownlow medallist is one of a number of senior players expected to miss games during the pre-season competition as new coach Mick Malthouse primes his troops for Round 1.

The Blues take on reigning premiers Sydney and the AFL's newest franchise, Greater Western Sydney, on Sunday at Skoda Stadium in Blacktown.

"You need to have your players in good form by Round 1, so the NAB Cup is very important. We're looking for winning form," Malthouse said today.

"Chris Judd won't play this week."

Malthouse said the Blues would implement a defensive game-plan honing in on the player's strengths.

"We've got certain strengths and we want them to come to the fore, so they'll be heavily promoted."

GWS will test themselves against Carlton, now under the tutelage of Sheedy's old foe Mick Malthouse, and Sydney in Blacktown on Sunday.

The 65-year-old, who has squared off against Malthouse a staggering 46 times, has warned his young charges what to expect when their second season starts.

"I know Mick and he'll be really wired up and ready to go. That's him,'' Sheedy said.

"I explained that to my players - don't think he's going to come up here and not take the first round of the NAB Cup seriously.

"Because if you know Mick Malthouse, he's serious about everything he ever does.

"It's a great opportunity to find out where we are.''

"It's a great opportunity to find out where we are.''

Surely Sheeds knows where Blacktown is by now?

squad missing - Menzel Judd Kreuzer Temay McInness Mitchell Scotland Waite Graham Cachia Dale

squad missing - Menzel Judd Kreuzer Temay McInness Mitchell Scotland Waite Graham Cachia Dale

Shame about graham. Can't wait to watch him after the impression he's made so far

He's playing as is Warnock.

33 NICK GRAHAM

I thought Henderson was on life support.

Good to see Warnock is over his knee reconstruction.

Jarrad Waite: test
Paul Bower: 1 - 2 weeks