CONSISTENCY is key for Carlton head in its Round 2 hitout against Port Adelaide, according to Harry McKay.

Richmond came out on top when they met the Blues in Round 1, but not without an electric middle stanza from Carlton which got the Blues back into the contest.

McKay said the Blues would aim to build on the positive signs and make amends for the inconsistency shown in the season opener.

“It was disappointing not to get the win, but we played some good footy in patches,” McKay said.

“It’s just about consistency now and playing four quarters.”

On the back of a Round 1 victory, Port Adelaide will look to take advantage of their home territory at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

According to McKay, the Blues are hoping to silence the home crowd with pressure from the outset.

“They obviously play a really fast and attacking brand of footy,” he said.

“It’s just about building consistency and bringing our pressure and effort from the first quarter.”

Blues fans got their first proper glimpse of the new-look forward line in Round 1, with McKay and Charlie Curnow joined by off-season recruit Mitch McGovern.

McKay - who finished the match with two goals and six marks -  predicts the forward chemistry will improve over the coming weeks.

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“It’s a new forward line so it’s going to take a little time to jell, but when the ball gets down there, we can score,” he said.

“It’s just about getting a few more inside 50 entries.”

Those midfield duties sit with a crop of impressive youngsters, with Sam Walsh and Will Setterfield both racking up 24 disposals apiece in Round 1.

McKay said the young midfield pairing would continue to build each time they pulled on the Navy Blue.

“They are just going to get better and better. ‘Walshy’ in his first game and ‘Setters’ in his third had a really good impact” he said.

Carlton will face Port Adelaide in Round 2 at Adelaide Oval this Sunday at 5:10pm (AEDT).