The Blues will be striving to tame the Brisbane Lions this Saturday when they battle it out at Etihad Stadium. 

Carlton recorded its gutsiest win of the season last Sunday against premiership contender Geelong, defeating the Cats by 19 points in a tight contest.

Meanwhile, the Lions fought hard against the reigning premier, but ultimately fell to Hawthorn at the Gabba by 48 points. 

Fronting the media on Friday, Carlton coach Brendon Bolton says the Blues need to be “wary” of Brisbane, which has pushed many good sides this year including Sydney and Hawthorn.

“I think this competition says if you’re one or two percent off in terms of your focus or approach you can get hurt and we understand that, so we need to be on again,” Bolton said. 

The battle between last year’s No. 1 draft pick, defender Jacob Weitering, and No. 2 selection, forward Josh Schache, looms as an enticing match-up for supporters – and Bolton agreed. 

“Yeah, I would have thought at some stage you’ll see it (the match-up),” Bolton said. 

“If we get that match-up it will be exciting for the fans.” 

The last time these two sides met, Brisbane got the better of the Blues, taking home the four points: 20.11.131 to 9.13.67.

In that hit-out Marc Murphy and Patrick Cripps topped Carlton’s disposals winners, while Andrew Walker booted four goals. For the Lions it was Tom Rockliff and former Blue Mitch Robinson who made the most impact, with 36 and 33 possessions respectively. 

There will be another former Blue taking on his old side this weekend, with Tom Bell making his first appearance against Carlton after being traded to Brisbane at the end of last year.

Bell was picked up by the Blues in the 2012 rookie draft and played 51 games for Carlton. 

Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s game, Brisbane coach Justin Leppitsch praised the Blues for the way they’ve been going about their football.

“It’s a credit to them,” Leppitsch said. 

“They're playing some good footy, with good forward pressure, and they’re really well systemised.”

Carlton was forced to make two changes to its line-up for Saturday’s game, with Marc Murphy and Liam Sumner both sustaining injuries against Geelong. Dashing backman Ciaran Byrne and midfielder Nick Graham make their way back into the side.

Meanwhile Brisbane has made two changes, with captain Tom Rockliff and Jarrad Jansen set to make his debut.

Ryan Lester (leg) and Rhys Mathieson have been omitted. 

Carlton takes on Brisbane this Saturday afternoon at Etihad Stadium, with the match kicking off at 2:10pm.