A very taxing game against the Brisbane Lions in 30 degree heat at Maroochydore in round 3 of the NAB Cup was tough and disappointing for the Carlton players on Saturday.

However, the performance on the ground, while very disappointing for supporters, was the start of a long day for the Blues. The players were quick to get changed after the game and board the bus for the hour trip to Brisbane Airport.

At the airport there was little time to sit around as the Virgin Airlines flight was ready for boarding shortly after the Carlton group had checked the bags in. A two and a half hour flight then followed with the players arriving back in Melbourne in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Sunday morning it was back to Visy Park for a recovery session before an afternoon off. Then it is back to training on Monday as the players prepare for this week's final game of the pre-season competition.