CARLTON will take inspiration from Collingwood's upset win over Adelaide in round four as the Blues try to break their drought this season.

The Blues are yet to win a game and their 0-6 beginning to the year is the worst start to a season in the club's history.

The big challenges continue to come as they take on the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

But coach Brendon Bolton said the Blues can take some lessons from the Magpies' stirring victory over the Crows on their home turf three weeks ago, maintaining the club heads into the contest galvanized.

"Collingwood really pressured strongly, particularly early in that game, and set the tone. It's important that we start that way. But I've been really buoyed by the attitude and approach of the players this week," Bolton said. 

"We're not shying away from that opportunity, getting to play the Grand Finalists on their home deck.

"I think a little bit of adversity and challenge, which we face as a club at the moment, although hard and frustrating we're not getting results it builds real character and resilience." 

Adding to that adversity has been an ankle injury to Charlie Curnow, who will miss the trip to tackle the Crows.

Bolton said the club had been conservative with the young star and expects him back next week against Essendon, and knows he will leave a void in the side's forward half. 

"We've taken a bit of a cautious approach there. He's rolled his ankle and it's a little bit sore. He was close to playing so should be fine next week," he said.

"We're not just going to pick up and find another Charlie Curnow, so it's about our collective defence and offense working together."

The clash will be the first time new Crows star Bryce Gibbs plays against his former side after switching clubs during last year's trade period.

Former Blue Bryce Gibbs will play his first game against Carlton on Saturday night. (Photo: AFL Photos)

Gibbs has been in fine form for Adelaide, averaging 28 disposals and a goal a game across the first six rounds, and although Bolton was unsure if there will be any niggle between the players, he said it would be "game on". 

"He's been a fantastic servant for the Carlton Football Club and he's highly respected and now back with family. I think even some of our players are going to be in his wedding party, so there's some strong connections there," he said.

"But for the two hours we play I'm sure Bryce understands, and we do, he's an Adelaide player and it's Carlton vs. Adelaide."