DISAPPOINTED Carlton coach Brett Ratten says his younger players missed a golden opportunity to push for round one selection after a poor showing against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday.

The Blues team - missing up to 11 regular senior players - were super competitive in the first-half, trailing by just two points at the main break.

But after the interval they fell away badly, being held scoreless and losing by 64 points at Maroochydore.

Ratten made no excuses and was visibly upset with the performance.

"What was a little disappointing was the opportunity that some [youngsters] didn't grab," Ratten said.

"The round one team isn't [set] in concrete and it was probably an opportunity missed for some today.

"From the first minute of the third quarter was really disappointing. It was 0-12 inside 50s for the first 20 minutes and they really dominated the game and from stoppages just forced the ball forward.

"I thought we fell away poorly."

In a team that was missing the likes of Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Heath Scotland and Michael Jamison, Ratten said Kane Lucas (20 disposals) and defender Matthew Watson were two of the young players that showed him some form.

He also refused to blame the hot conditions for the performance, saying it was the same for both teams.

One positive for Carlton was the return of injured trio Chris Judd, Jarrad Waite and Nick Duigan, who all got through their first matches of the season strongly.

While Ratten described Judd as "rusty" but better for the run, he was more than pleased with Duigan and Waite.

"I thought Duigan, after missing some footy, just flicked the switch and went bang and really got into the game, which was a plus," he said.

"I thought Waite's first half was quite exciting. He missed a few goals but he just got his hands on the ball. It was just good to get those boys out there."

In the winners' dressing room, Lions' coach Michael Voss was all smiles, but said he expected a different Carlton when the teams squared off again in round two.

"In the first half, Carlton dominated centre square bounces. As soon as our midfielders got their hands on it we were able to get the ball going forward," Voss said.

"I thought the middle of the ground was where it was won.

"Next time we play them it's gong to be different because they're going to bring in players like Murphy, Scotland and Simpson and these guys that are pretty important to their midfield structure, so it's important we continue that trend in that part of the ground."

Michael Whiting covers AFL news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting