CARLTON midfielder Bryce Gibbs admits a win against the Sydney Swans on Friday night would be just that little bit sweeter given the recent history between the clubs.

The Blues exited last year's finals series in heart-breaking fashion when the Swans came from behind in a thrilling last quarter to record a five-point win.

The bitter memory adds yet another dimension to a match that already promises to be a contest of the highest calibre between two sides that will be well in the hunt for another finals berth this season.

"I think the fire in the belly is still there, you don't forget games like that too quickly," Gibbs said on Thursday.

"Obviously it's a little bit different, it's not a final, but it's definitely in the back of your head leading into the game and hopefully we can get one back on them."

The loss continued a horrendous run of outs against the Swans in Sydney that dates back to 1993.

Gibbs was just four-years-old when Carlton last defeated the Swans at the SCG and he's determined to play a key part in the team that breaks the hoodoo.

"It's always going to get talked about, but the facts are the facts - we haven't won up there for a while and we'd like to get that monkey off the back," he said.

"Over the last few years we have got a few monkeys off our backs like not winning in Perth and beating some teams we haven't beaten for a while and this is just another one of those challenges.

"[But] we're the same as every other team, we just want to get the win on the board and if we're playing Sydney in Sydney or we're playing them in Melbourne it doesn't matter too much as long as you can get the four points."

Carlton has gone with the same side that defeated Adelaide by a goal last week despite several good performances in the VFL.

Gibbs' own form has been the subject of discussion after a couple of quiet games, but the 22-year-old remains unfazed by the criticism that has come his way.

"Yeah [I've been] a little bit quieter than the first couple [of games], but I've been moved around a little bit, playing different roles for the team and helping them out so that's been fine, it hasn't been an issue," he said.
 
"I've been moved around a little bit, but that hasn't bothered me too much. It's great when the team's winning. There's a great vibe around the place and I'm feeling good."