When you're coaching a team at the very start of a very public 'reset', it's only sensible to celebrate the "little sprouts" of growth in a 10-goal loss to a premiership contender. 

Carlton coach Brendon Bolton was happy to do just that as his Blues, including recruit Matthew Wright and debutant Charlie Curnow, showed encouraging against the Swans at Etihad Stadium.  

"I think what we've just got to appreciate is the little sprouts," he said.

"There were some periods of play where we did stick it out. We united and transitioned the ball but we probably lacked some polish.

"We are pleased with that but we've got to do it for longer."

Wright toiled at Adelaide for six years and played 94 games before being cut from the list.

The former rookie was picked up by Carlton as a delisted free agent in last year's trade period.

He finished with 26 disposals against the Sydney Swans on Sunday at Etihad Stadium in a 10-goal loss.

Bolton said the 26-year-old understands the work he needs to do to become a consistent player.

"When a guy loses his position at Adelaide, it makes you hungry," Bolton said.

"We're only in this game for a very small time and he appreciates that. He's playing with that attitude.

"Often after a few years in the system you learn that. Some of our youngsters will learn that in time."

Bolton also pointed to Curnow as an example of a "little sprout" with the debutant struggling to have an impact up forward on Ted Richards, but showing flashes of his potential including a nice goal. 

"Charlie Curnow gets some exposure and kicks a goal. He's got lots to improve in his game, no doubt about it (but) that's a little thing to build upon," Bolton said. 

The Blues kicked just 10 goals for the match and struggled to find a target in attack.

Levi Casboult kicked two goals but had just eight disposals in what was a relatively quiet night. 

But Bolton said the forwards weren't solely to blame. 

"There were some missed handballs (and) missed kicks," he said.

"Often you can't just look at (the forwards) in isolation. It's the type of entry. We need some improvement on that, in terms of our connection going forward."