CARLTON coach Brendon Bolton has a huge amount of respect for the fight his team exhibited in Thursday night's 33-point loss to Richmond, declaring that he is "falling in love with his players."

The Blues trailed by 40 points at the start of the second term to a red-hot Tigers unit, before digging in and challenging the Tigers in the areas that mattered most.

Bolton said the unity of the group, which saw 13 new players, including six debutants, take the field when compared to the side that was fielded in round 23 last season, was blossoming.

BLUES SHOW PLENTY OF FIGHT Full match coverage and stats

"It's taken us three years to get the list together that we want to hold together for a long time," Bolton said after the game.

"I'm falling in love with our players. I know that sounds mushy, I know it's not a word we use a lot but they're really tight and the same age. They have really open discussions with me about how they feel, and I with them and we're connecting really strongly.

"There's an element of pride when they do that. We just need to do it for longer. We overused the ball … but they fought really hard. Some mature heads prevailed in the end and they are the benchmark and we've got to chase them down really hard."

WATCH Brendon Bolton's full post-match press conference

Bolton praised the performances of No.1 draft pick Sam Walsh and former Swan Nic Newman, who were central figures in the Blues' fightback.

"Our depth of talent and unity has been growing for three years and we now need it to jell," Bolton said.

"Walsh's run, what did he have? 24 on debut? He's 18 years old, that's a fair effort. 'Newy' has slotted in really well with 26 and it was a fair goal he kicked and a lot of metres gained so he's going to be a valuable addition to us.

"They didn't lay down. There were some periods where (Richmond) got on top in bursts but we're determined to get a result."

Carlton achieved just two wins finished on the bottom of the ladder last year, but Bolton saw some signs that that kind of fate would not be replicated again in 2019.

The Blues cut the margin to 10 points late in the game before being run off their legs in the last quarter.

"The one thing I liked was the resilience and determination to fight back," Bolton said.

"We're really determined to get a result quick and we thought we were a chance at three-quarter time.

"I know they're resilient and I know they're determined to dig in."

WATCH All the highlights from the season opener

Plenty of young players stood up on the big stage, but forward Charlie Curnow was again well held, after a quiet JLT Community Series.

Bolton, though, isn't worried about the output of his star young forward, backing him to respond.

"Charlie would be the first to admit that he can grow. We've also got to understand that he was up against probably one of, if not the best defence in the competition," Bolton said.

"He probably wasn't as clean as he'd like to be, he double touched quite a few balls so he'll work on that."