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Carlton coach Daniel Harford has confirmed marquee forward Tayla Harris will return in the AFLW meeting with Fremantle after she was "managed" in round six.

Marquee forward Tayla Harris will return to action as Carlton look to press their claims for an AFLW finals spot when they take on high-flying Fremantle in round seven.

Harris was a surprise omission from the Blues' team against Geelong - listed as "managed" - and watched from the grandstand on Sunday as her teammates secured an important 33-point win.

The imposing 23-year-old has kicked only three goals in five games this season, but coach Daniel Harford maintains she is crucial to Carlton's chances of breaking into the top six.

"She's been a bit banged up, Tay, and she's had a bit of a dodgy knee for a little while," Harford said.

"It was just a bit of a freshen up for her and we're going to need her, we think, to go anywhere for the remainder of the season.

"It was an opportunity for her to have a bit of a spell and we'll get her back."

Pressed on whether Harris will miss only one match, Harford said: "Geez, I hope so."

Despite Harris' absence, Carlton kicked their highest score of the season against Geelong, the lowest-ranked team in the competition.

Darcy Vescio, Serena Gibbs and Georgia Gee kicked two goals each in a tally of 10.4 (64) - just one point shy of the Blues' club-record AFLW score.

"I think you miss a player like (Harris) on any given day, but our forwards worked pretty well in space," Harford said.

"To see Serena Gibbs evolve in that key position role for us in her second game is a great step for us going forward."

Impressive first-year player Mimi Hill had to be helped from the field with a knee injury in the final quarter of the Geelong clash and was sent for scans.

"We'll cross our fingers and hope it's not as bad as it could be," Harford said.

"She's a terrific young player for us and we'll do whatever we can to support her through whatever it is."

Carlton host Fremantle at Ikon Park next Sunday.