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AAP
AAP
Sport
Shayne Hope

Stung Blues seek hot start against St Kilda

Having started slowly in the loss to Adelaide, the Blues expect an improvement against St Kilda. (Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Carlton have spent the best part of 10 days reflecting on the horror start that led to their first loss of the AFL season - and trying to work out a remedy.

The Blues were steamrolled early by a red-hot Adelaide, who kicked eight of the first nine goals before quarter-time in their round-five encounter.

To say it stung Michael Voss's side is an understatement.

So, if there's one thing St Kilda can expect from Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, it's a hot opening to what shapes as an intriguing clash.

"(Last week) certainly reflected that if you're a little bit off against a really good team you can get jumped," Blues assistant coach Ash Hansen said.

"That first quarter certainly wasn't what we want to stand for and we're looking forward to a good reply.

"Our contest hasn't been to the level that it's been previously ... and that's a key pillar of any side and certainly ours.

"We're looking to build on that."

Carlton will need to crack open a stingy St Kilda defence that is a clear No.1 in the competition for fewest points conceded under returned coach Ross Lyon this season.

The Saints (4-1) have given up an average of just 59.4 points a game across the opening five rounds.

For the Blues, it means finding more avenues to goal than Charlie Curnow, who has kicked a team-high 18 goals this season, and fellow key forward Harry McKay.

"Those guys are a really strong presence and have shown that they're capable of taking a mark and position themselves really consistently, so I don't blame our guys for knocking it into them," Hansen said.

"But we want to be multi-dimensional going forward because that's the profile of good teams.

"We're certainly looking to work at that and be influential in different ways."

St Kilda have brought back key forward Tim Membrey (knee) and captain Jack Steele (broken collarbone) from injuries, and the tough midfielder is set to do battle with rival skipper Patrick Cripps.

"Historically they've gone head to head," Hansen said.

"Both are great ball-winners and I think Ross (Lyon) has already mentioned that, so that should be a great watch for the fans."

Carlton have managed young tall Tom De Koning, with Marc Pittonet cleared to shoulder ruck duties against Rowan Marshall despite copping a knock to an eye last week.

Mitch McGovern returns from a calf injury to bolster the back-line and mature-age rookie Alex Cincotta will debut as a replacement for dashing defender Adam Saad (hamstring).

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