While admitting his side looked tired in its 71-point loss to St Kilda, Brendon Bolton doesn't believe fatigue is an issue for Carlton.

The Blues have been competitive in the past three weeks, falling just short against finals-bound opponents in West Coast (seven points), the Sydney Swans (six) and Hawthorn (19).

However, the defeat at the hands of the Saints was the biggest losing margin Carlton has suffered this season.

"We looked a little tired and sluggish today on the back of some really close and hard-fought games in the last month," Bolton said after the game.

He does not expect that to become a trend.

"It's a one-off. If it becomes a pattern, we might address our weekly patterns and training," he said.

"I've got to look at the GPS data, got to look at the game to determine exactly what our load management is (to see) if there's an issue, but I wouldn't foresee it."

There were multiple aspects of Carlton's performance that disappointed Bolton. The Blues conceded 132 marks, including 27 in the forward-50.

"Defensively we weren't where we've been this year," Bolton said.

"It's a credit to the Saints – they intercepted the ball really well across their back half. Their ball use was pretty slick, so I thought defensively we could improve."

Tim Membrey (five goals) and Josh Bruce (four) took advantage of Carlton's wasteful disposal, while skipper Nick Riewoldt had a game-high 16 marks.

"We looked a bit sluggish today with the ball, and it's been a bit of a common theme," Bolton said.

"We've turned balls over when we're out and free and we looked fast on those phases, but we just need to be more meticulous in making sure we nail the target when we get the opportunity."

It was the eighth loss in a row for a Carlton team that will face the Brisbane Lions next Saturday afternoon at the Gabba. That clash presents a realistic opportunity for a victory, with the Lions having won only twice this year.

Bolton insisted his side was determined to add to its tally of six wins.

"We're going into all games to win, there's no doubt about that. We'll never absolve ourselves from that responsibility," he said.

He paid tribute to Andrew Walker, who lined up for the 202nd and final time on an AFL field.

"He's been a great servant of our footy club," Bolton said.

"He's been the first indigenous player to play 200 (matches at Carlton), and I'm hoping he can be a trailblazer for our club in time."