Carlton’s thrilling victory against Geelong has been short-lived, with the Blues quickly shifting their focus to Saturday’s clash against the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium.

Blues coach Brendon Bolton said despite the excitement of last week’s win, his team would be ready to tackle the Lions. 

“If you’re one or two per cent off in terms of your focus and approach you can get hurt … We need to be on again,” Bolton told the media on Friday.

“We’re wary of Brisbane. They have pushed some real quality sides.”

Blues vice-captain Kade Simpson will lead the side in the absence of skipper Marc Murphy, who will miss up to a month after suffering an ankle injury against the Cats.

Bolton admitted Murphy’s absence would “leave a hole” in the Blues’ midfield, but was confident his team’s improved leadership would fill the void.

“We’ve built leadership density,” he said.

“We can’t rely on one individual … We need to be a team that’s about the sum of the parts.” 

With only a six-day break to Brisbane’s seven, Bolton said the Blues had had a “lighter week on the track” to be physically ready on Saturday.

Talented youngsters Nick Graham and Ciaran Byrne – the latter a late withdrawal last week with a corked calf – replace Murphy and Liam Sumner (foot) in the side that defeated Geelong.

While Byrne has been a regular fixture in the Blues’ defence this season, Bolton said Graham had well and truly earned his first game since Round 6 after a string of impressive VFL performances.

“He (Graham) has brought a lot of tackle pressure (with the Northern Blues),” he said.

“We want to be defined by our pressure and he (Graham) will just add to that.”

Fans could be treated to a battle of talent with Blues defender and No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering set to spend time on No.2 draft pick Josh Schache.

But Bolton was quick to reduce the hype around the possible match-up.

“I don’t want to overplay that match-up," he said.

“We play team defence, so it (Weitering-Schache match-up) can’t happen all the time.” 

Despite recent media discussion around a potential lottery system for the national draft, Bolton reiterated the Club’s position to put winning above positioning for draft picks.

“Creating a culture for sustained success is important, that’s about standards, values and behaviours,” he said.  

“That’s No.1 and always will be at the Carlton Football Club.”