BRENDON Bolton believes Carlton has the right defensive mix to curtail Sydney’s combination of tall forwards.

At team selection last night, the Blues announced the much-welcomed return of Caleb Marchbank to line up alongside Liam Jones, Lachie Plowman and Jacob Weitering down abck.

On the other side, the Swans welcomed back Tom McCartin to join Lance Franklin, Sam Reid and Nick Blakey in attack.

When previewing who would be pitted against Sydney’s danger man, Bolton said it wouldn’t be just one man tasked with stopping Franklin.

“We don’t really play a one-on-one defence, not many do. The team has got to account for Buddy,” Bolton said.

“At times, in aerial balls because they’re the bigger bodies, it will be Jones and Weitering, they’ll share that.”

WATCH: Brendon Bolton's full press conference

Bolton said it was the versatility of Marchbank and Plowman which had him confident the Blues could curtail a dangerous Sydney front-line.

He likened the duo to Hawthorn’s new captain for their ability to make an impact in the air and on the ground.

“The thing about Marchbank and Plowman is they can both play tall and small, which is great for us,” he said.

“They’re terrific interceptors but they can also hold down a little guy at ground level — it’s what makes them great defenders.

“You look at a guy like a Ben Stratton: for years, he’s been able to play tall and small. We think we’ve got a few players like that.”