FORMER Carlton coach Michael Voss has outlined the "subtle changes" the Blues have made since he left the club in May, adding Josh Fraser's side will be challenged by the contrasting game style of Melbourne this weekend.

The Blues have noticeably changed their game style since Fraser took over from Voss ahead of round 10, shifting to a high mark, high possession style of play.

Since round nine, they have gone from 13th in the AFL to first for short kicks, 15th to first for effective kicks, 14th to first for uncontested possessions and 13th to first for uncontested marks, and from sixth to 18th for long kicks.

Speaking on AFL.com.au's Finals Film Room, Voss says while those adjustments have been a spectacular success so far, they could be tested again when the Blues take on the Demons in a wildcard final at the MCG on Saturday night.

"You'll notice across the game style, there are some subtle changes," Voss said, speaking alongside Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd.

"There are absolutely some subtle changes and the short kicks everyone has spoken about, (they) value possession even more so.

"Once upon a time where they'd take territory, they're now trying to find a mark.

"If you match that up against Melbourne, though, (the Demons) want to kick the ball long, they're happy to take it to contest really quickly, get you on one-on-ones, get territory on the field and they're very low on short kicks."

It means the Saturday night blockbuster shapes as a contrast in styles, with the Demons 15th for short kicks, 15th for uncontested marks and third for long kicks.

While Carlton has played its past five games under the Marvel Stadium roof, winning four and drawing one, its record at the MCG under Fraser is less convincing.

Since Fraser took on the job, the Blues have claimed narrow wins at the 'G over Geelong (four points), Essendon (five) and Richmond (two) before losses to Hawthorn and Collingwood.

Voss believes the intensity of finals football and the change in venue means Carlton may have to adjust again.

"They're clearly going to need it in finals football to be able to take it to contest a little bit more than what they have in the past," the Brisbane champion said.

"They've been playing at Marvel Stadium for the last five or six weeks in a row. It's not necessarily conducive to long kicks, but it'll be something they'll have to adjust if it's called upon."

The Demons have rightly earned praise for their performances under first-year coach Steven King, with their exciting ball movement lauded.

And while the Dees have kicked 100 or more points 12 times this season, Voss said Melbourne's toughness has been underestimated.

Across 2026, only St Kilda (+7.3) and Carlton (+6.7) have a better contested possession differential than the Demons (+5.2).

"I just think their original fundamentals are about playing tough. We get mesmerised by the ball movement, but they're a tough group," Voss said.

"And Carlton, they can do contests blindfolded. So, this is where Melbourne needs to aim up.

"They did a couple of weeks ago against Fremantle, against a really strong contested team."