CARLTON will look to midfield bull Patrick Cripps to help address the Blues' alarming lack of intensity in last weekend’s mauling at the hands of Melbourne.

Cripps will play his first game of the pre-season when Carlton host St Kilda this Saturday after overcoming stress fractures in his back.

Midfielder Ed Curnow admitted his side put in a disappointing effort against the Demons in the 54-point thrashing at Casey Fields.

Curnow confirmed Cripps would take the field at Icon Park, with his addition to add some steel to the midfield mix.

"He'll instill a lot of belief and confidence in the young group out there," Curnow said on Friday.

"He's a bull around the stoppages and everyone loves playing with him, so that contagious pressure around the football will be great for our group."

The inclusion of Cripps is an encouraging development for the 21-year-old, who initially looked to be in danger of missing the Blues' round one clash against Richmond when the injury was diagnosed.

In an eventful pre-season, Cripps has also had to deal with speculation linking him with a trade to either of the clubs in his native Western Australia.

The Blues quickly stepped in to refute the trade rumours surrounding their contracted young star, who is widely seen as a future captain of the club.

"He's definitely got really strong leadership qualities," Curnow said.

"I'm sure he could become a leader of Carlton in the future.

"He's extremely determined and driven - he wants to be the best.

"The standards he holds for himself are super high."