Carlton will be looking to redeem its 90-point loss to Port Adelaide when it returns to the MCG on Saturday to face last year’s grand finalists – the Sydney Swans.

On the eve of the Round 6 hit-out, Carlton coach Brendon Bolton said he expected a hard-hitting display between two “proud clubs”. 

“They’ve (Sydney) got some really strong contested players in and around the contest and up forward they’ve got some fire power,” Bolton told the media on Friday.

“They’re proud, as we are, as a footy club, so we expect a pretty fierce contest.”

On top of six draws, the battle tally between the sides sits at 127 to 91 in Carlton’s favour, but Sydney has got the better of the Blues in recent times, coming out on top in the past seven encounters.

In their last meeting – Round 18, 2016 – Kade Simpson was the Blues’ highest possession winner racking up 34 touches, while for the Swans it was Josh Kennedy who had the greatest impact with 35 disposals, 12 clearances, six tackles and one goal.

Ranked No.2 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, the Swans’ skipper is well placed for a similar performance today but according to Bolton, spearhead Lance Franklin would also generate attention from his men after he booted four goals against them at the SCG in July last year. 

“He’s (Franklin) such a talented player with a big left foot,” Bolton said.

“We’ve just got to make sure we keep a lot of pressure on him because (with) time and space he really hurts you.”

John Longmire’s winless red and white outfit will enter the match on the back of a 42-point loss to state counterpart Greater Western Sydney.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, the Sydney coach believed his side would “turn things around” when it fronted up to the ‘G for its sixth match of the season.

“We haven’t had many good players in the first five weeks of the season and that’s why we are where we are,” Longmire said.

“We’re really confident in our players’ ability to be able to bounce back and give a really strong performance this weekend.”

The Blues will be bolstered by the return of big man Matthew Kreuzer, who was sidelined with general soreness last week, and with Bryce Gibbs and captain Marc Murphy cleared from initial injury concerns, Carlton’s leaders are set to take charge on Saturday.

The Swans on the other hand will have to soldier on without former co-captain Kieren Jack after he was ruled out earlier in the week with a hip injury.

With Harry Marsh also sidelined with hamstring tightness and Jordan Foote omitted, Nic Newman, Jeremy Laidler and Brandon Jack will take the field in their place.

Although the desperation of Sydney is set to fuel a fiery Swans line-up in Round 6, Carlton will have extra incentive to claim the win with the match to mark Patrick Cripps’ 50^th game as well as the first in Carlton colours for boyhood Bluebagger Alex Silvagni.