CARLTON big man Lachie Henderson has put his hand up for the all-important job on in-form North Melbourne forward Drew Petrie when the two teams clash at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

Petrie has booted 25 goals in his past eight matches to be a key player in the Kangaroos' mid-season surge into top-eight contention.

Blues coach Brett Ratten said on Wednesday that shutting down Petrie's marking power would be a key to winning.

With full-back Michael Jamison still absent with a knee injury, Henderson shapes as the most likely match-up for the dangerous forward.

"If I get him, it'll be a good challenge for me," the 21 year-old said from Etihad Stadium on Thursday morning after the Blues had a light training run at the ground.

"He's in red-hot form.

"He's a very good one-on-one player and he's really straightening them up."

The former Brisbane Lion - known mainly as a forward during his short AFL career so far - said he had enjoyed his time in defence, but would be happy to play wherever needed once Jamison returned as long as it meant holding his spot.

"It's a bit different having to follow someone else around; I'm usually able to just run free," Henderson said.

"But it's nice…and I'm really enjoying the challenge.

"I've just got to keep performing well week-to-week and then they can't throw me out [of the team].

"Hopefully [once Jamison comes back] I can maybe slot back forward or slot into that second defender's role.

"We'll just have to see what happens."

Ratten, out of contract at the end of this season, said on Wednesday that he was confident of holding his job for next year.

That will hinge on how his team performs for the remainder of 2011, with the club's board stating an expectation that the Blues win at least one final.

Henderson said the players were "right behind" their coach, but weren't feeling any extra pressure to perform given the speculation around Ratten's future.

"We're playing some really good footy this year, and he's doing well," Henderson said.

"There's always pressure on the players to win a final, so we're not really worrying about that; the board will make the decision.

"We want to win a final, so that's all that matters, really."