Veteran Michael Jamison was dropped because he reflects Carlton’s start to the AFL season – good in patches, but not for long enough.

The 148-game defender, one of the few experienced Blues players, was among three omissions for Saturday night’s game against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

No one will give Carlton a chance against one of the league’s boom teams.

But the ‘Dogs might be vulnerable after captain Robert Murphy’s season-ending knee injury and their bruising three-point loss to Hawthorn.

Carlton coach Brendon Bolton is going into the match demanding consistent effort for longer periods.

Bolton revealed on Friday that focus made Jamison a selection casualty.

“What I do know is that Jamo is working really hard to improve, as are all our players,” Bolton said.

“Jamo is a little bit reflective of some of the way in which we’re playing.

“We’re pretty good in patches and need to build on others.

“He’ll fight back – there’s no doubt.”

Jamison’s omission also means a different set-up in defence for the Blues, with GWS recruit Lachie Plowman making his Carlton debut.

Plowman will be their third tall defender and he can also play on a smaller forward.

The Blues lost Blaine Boekhorst to a hamstring injury and also dropped Mark Whiley.

Jed Lamb and Liam Sumner – also former Giants – are the other inclusions, with Sumner joining Plowman in debuting for Carlton.

It means all five players who Carlton recruited through last year’s Troy Menzel trade – Plowman, Lamb, Sumner, Sam Kerridge and Andrew Phillips – will be in the senior team together for the first time.

Bolton said the Blues had 10 players in the AFL team with 30 games or less experience.

“Of late, you’re starting to see some of the new Carlton,” he said.

“What we do know (is) you can become directionless if you’re not sure on what you’re doing well and what you need to improve on – and we’re really clear on that.

“Adding some of our future in gives you a little bit more of a buzz.”

No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering earned this week’s Rising Star nomination and Bolton was also impressed with youngsters Charlie Curnow and Ciaran Byrne.