CARLTON'S four-point loss to the struggling Brisbane Lions was a game of two contrasting halves and the Blues will learn from both, coach Brendon Bolton says.

The Lions shot out of the blocks, kicking 12 goals in the first half and only three in the second, while the Blues responded with eight second-half goals of their own.

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"I think both halves we take away and look at really strongly," Bolton said.

"We've been making progress, but I think for 45 minutes of that game – the first quarter and a half – we really plateaued, but we showed a lot of spirit after that.

"We were challenged really strongly in that first half, and when we review, we'll contrast that with the second half."

Five talking points: Brisbane Lions v Carlton

Bolton said Carlton's remarkable turnaround in the second half was a team effort. 

"There was challenges from the coach and the line coaches, challenges from the leadership group and within, because we've said all year we want to be defined by our pressure and effort, and by and large we have.

"In the second half I thought we really improved on those first 45 minutes, so it was a combination of conversations from players, leaders and coaches."

WATCH: The last two minutes 

Despite the loss, Bolton was optimistic about the improvement of his young players. 

Patrick Cripps finished with 24 disposals – 22 of which were contested – despite the double handicap of missing most of the second quarter with a bruised knee and close attention from Mitch Robinson.

"He's only young in age, but he's one that does play with effort regularly," Bolton said.

"Dave Cuningham got a taste of AFL footy, he's a member of our new draft class, so that's a positive for us. 

"[Jack] Silvagni kicked a couple of goals, so you talk about little things that our growing in our club, there's a few there."

Bolton said the Blues' next challenge was applying pressure for four quarters. 

"It's really important that we learn to be a team that brings that pressure and effort for four quarters, and the good teams do it for a season.

"It's just a mindset that's learned, it's a high-performance mindset.

"I think in time they'll grow and develop, but we want our players to play to their strengths, it's about the parts of the jigsaw all combining."

Carlton now turns its attention to Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, before its final game for the season against Essendon.