CARLTON forward Levi Casboult must iron out the inconsistencies in his game before returning to the senior team, coach Brendon Bolton says.

Casboult was dropped for Carlton's clash with Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday, having been held goalless during the side's 21-point loss to Port Adelaide last week.

He finished with three behinds from only four kicks, winning his first disposal for the match early in the third quarter.

Complicating matters for Casboult is a bye for Carlton's VFL affiliate the Northern Blues this weekend, meaning he won't get the chance to immediately respond to his axing from the senior team.

However, speaking on Friday, Bolton allayed fears over Casboult's immediate future, saying he does not see the 28-year-old missing much footy before returning to the side.

"It's nothing too complex," Bolton said.

"We think he's just got to grow in some of his impact up forward. There are some inconsistencies in that.

"What I loved about Levi is that he accepted he didn't play to the level he'd like last week. He's had a really strong week on the track and he'll work hard to rectify it.

"I'm sure he'll be back in time."

The Blues have not named a natural replacement for Casboult, with youngster Harry McKay again missing out on selection despite an improved performance in the VFL last week.

Instead, ruckman Matthew Kreuzer returns to the side, with fellow big man Andrew Phillips keeping his spot in the team after a solid display against Port Adelaide last week.

Bolton expects both Kreuzer and Phillips to rotate out of full-forward, stressing that neither Casboult nor McKay are slipping down a supposed 'pecking order' at Carlton.

"I don't want a headline over Levi because he's missed right now," Bolton said.

"He had an inconsistent performance last week and he'll work incredibly hard. There's no pecking order at our football club, it's an earned right.

"There are some inconsistencies last week like there was with Harry a few weeks ago. The great thing about that is there's a fight for a position up forward."

Carlton can move level with Brisbane on two wins for the season, should the Blues defeat the Lions at the Gabba on Saturday afternoon. 

According to Bolton, it would provide his young side with some reward for effort, having produced a number of improved performances over the last month.

"Every week we're hunting for reward," Bolton said.

"We're driving really hard to try and win a game of footy. We've got a big challenge this week.

"I think Brisbane's average losing margin is a bit lower than people think. I think it's only two or three goals up at the Gabba.

"It probably doesn't justify their ladder position, so we know we've got a big challenge, but one we're looking forward to."