Carlton can expect a strong response from Collingwood on Friday night at the MCG after its disappointing 35-point loss to Port Adelaide, coach Nathan Buckley says.

Buckley said Port Adelaide wanted to win more than Collingwood and the team had been embarrassed at being outworked by its opposition.

He said the team had already had some "strong chats" about what was required.

"We're a proud group," Buckley said.

"We understand there is a lot of commentary and speculation that is out there at the moment, and when you lose games of footy that happens, but footy is what happens inside the white line and we will have 22 fierce competitors with a Magpie jumper on with the opportunity to head us in the right direction."

While injuries are a concern and the execution of basic skills was poor on Saturday, willingness to work to outnumber the opposition around the ball was of most concern to Buckley.

He said improvement was needed across the board to make the team competitive, with senior players on notice to contribute.

Buckley revealed that Quinten Lynch had been on a modified training program for the past month as they managed a slight niggle but was coy on who would play this week.

Dayne Beams and Tyson Goldsack will play in the VFL as they return from injury.

Beams has not played all season after suffering a quad injury in the lead-up to round one, while Goldsack has battled a hip problem and has not played since round six.

While Beams' talents are well known, Buckley emphasised the value he placed on Goldsack's ability to play as a third tall up forward and versatility to swing back if needed.

Goldsack's absence is forcing the coach to use Dane Swan in attack more often than he has in the past as an alternative target inside 50, where Buckley said too much had been left to Travis Cloke.

He was uncertain how many games Beams would need in the VFL before returning.

"We're running out of time in regards to getting some momentum going. We don't want to be waiting until round 21 or 22 to be putting our best side together," Buckley said.

"We've missed Beamsy. We have missed Goldy, but it has to be case by case. If they are right to go, they will come in. If not they will get an extra week."

Buckley was non-committal on whether Clinton Young would play his first game for the club, but he would appear a likely inclusion.

Andrew Krakouer is a chance, having shown good form in the VFL and would be considered too.