After narrowly falling short against Richmond in the season opener last Thursday night, Carlton will be hoping to record its first win of the year when it takes on the Swans this Sunday at Etihad Stadium. 

There’s no doubt it’s going to be a tough ask, with Sydney coming off a massive 80-point win over Collingwood at the SCG, but speaking in the lead-up to the game, Carlton coach Brendon Bolton says his team will relish the test.

“We give ourselves a chance in every game, but we know it’s a challenge,” Bolton said.

“They’re (Sydney) really good at the contested footy and they looked in form up forward, but we’ll throw everything at them.”

It was only three weeks ago that the Blues and Swans battled it out on Etihad Stadium, with the sides going head-to-head during the NAB Challenge.

VIDEO: Brendon Bolton previews Sunday's clash

In his press conference on Wednesday, opposition coach John Longmire said Sydney would need to “prepare for Carlton’s best” after seeing what it produced during Round 1 and in its NAB Challenge match.

“They played really well last week and we got the chance to see how they go a couple of weeks ago and they go really well, so I’m sure they’re going to surprise a few teams this year,” Longmire said.

“You look at Kreuzer, Gibbs, Murphy and Simpson and you go through their line-up and there’s some real experienced and quality players there." 

In their final pre-season match against the Swans, Carlton youngster Nick Graham topped the Blues’ for disposals with 30 possessions and new recruit Sam Kerridge booted three goals.

For Sydney it was Dan Hannebery who dominated in the midfield with 38 touches, while damaging forward Lance Franklin was back to his best booting three goals and amassing 20 disposals. 

No. 1 draft pick Jacob Weitering could once again find himself spending time matched up against Franklin, with Bolton saying it would be beneficial for his education.

Lance Franklin has booted a total of 13 goals in his past two games against Carlton. (Photo: AFL Media)

“I’d like to think there are some times when he is on ‘Buddy’ because again we’re about growth and learning. I’ve said that so many times now, so if we see that for a while it will be terrific for his development,” Bolton said.

This week’s game marks a milestone for three Carlton players, with Irishman Zach Tuohy to play his 100^th AFL game, young defender Sam Docherty notching up his 50^th AFL appearance, and Charlie Curnow making his AFL debut. 

Curnow, the brother of midfielder Ed, will be the 1,172nd player to make his debut for Carlton after being drafted to the Blues with pick 12 in the national draft last year.

Dale Thomas will also play his first game of the official season after being recalled to the side.

Meanwhile, Sydney has made just one change, replacing injured defender Michael Talia with Ted Richards.

Carlton takes on Sydney at Etihad Stadium in a twilight match on Sunday afternoon. Click here to purchase your ticket.

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