CARLTON interim coach John Barker said the Blues will need all 22 players to put in the effort required to play AFL football if they are to compete with Fremantle at Domain Stadium next Saturday night. 

The match against the ladder leaders will be a real test for the battling Blues and will also be an opportunity for Barker to push his credentials as the next senior coach.

Not that Barker is particularly interested in discussing his candidacy for the senior job just yet.

"Obviously I understand the interest and the deadline is coming closer but we will talk about that more when it gets here," Barker said after the Blues' loss to Richmond on Friday night.

"I am sure there will be more said about that when the time comes."

WATCH: John Barker's full post-match media conference

Barker said Fremantle would provide some good lessons for the Blues regardless of the result and it was his job to ensure they were ready to compete. 

"They're a very good team, superbly drilled. We're looking to bring back that weight of numbers in effort because we know that gives us our best chance to be playing some good footy," Barker said. 

Defender Simon White told AFL.com.au that the Blues would go into the game wanting to win and planned to stay competitive for the remainder of the season.

"'Barks' is really pushing the guys to take the game on, use the ball through the corridor, take risks. We need to keep doing that. We need to keep backing ourselves and keep growing as a team," White said.

Barker is looking forward to the challenge.

"The education just keeps growing, doesn't it? I am sure there will be some strong education for us in Freo," Barker said.