CARLTON defender Sam Docherty is not expecting a follow-up act to the spiteful round two encounter with Melbourne when the clubs clash again at the MCG on Sunday.
Demons Jordan Lewis and Jesse Hogan missed a combined five matches through suspension for respective strikes on Patrick Cripps and Sam Rowe in the earlier game which the Dees won by 22 points.
Lewis' action sparked a heated melee and left Cripps grounded with a minor jaw fracture.
Melbourne leader Tom McDonald spoke afterwards that "it can't happen again", although the return bout arrives the same week Demon Tom Bugg faces the Tribunal for knocking out Swan Callum Mills.
"I guess that sort of panned out the way it did in round two," Docherty said.
"We don't go into the game expecting a more physical opposition than normal. We'll see how the game pans out and we'll make a strong plan to come and give them all we've got as a footy club, and hopefully get the result this week."
The Blues appear to be on the rise, with a club-record four NAB AFL Rising Star nominees this year and more on-field competitiveness, although Docherty is unimpressed with the five wins from 14 games.
Carlton hit the front in the last quarter against top-two side Adelaide on Saturday, only to concede the next three goals and eventually go down by 12 points.
"As a group – I know we've been speaking about this a fair bit during the year – we're growing, but we're not very happy with not winning," Docherty said.
"We put ourselves in the game again (last) week and got our noses in front, but just not being able to finish it off has been a bit disappointing. But we've done a strong review this week and hopefully (we will) rectify it if we get in the situation again."
Docherty's own form has been outstanding, averaging 28.3 disposals as a rebounding defender.
The 23-year-old, from Phillip Island, is one of the linchpins of the Blues' backline, which recently added reborn ex-Dog Liam Jones to the mix and has earned many plaudits this season
Docherty joined Carlton for the 2014 season from the Brisbane Lions, where he was originally their No.12 pick three years earlier.
"I'm closer to family and friends, and the opportunity to see them on a regular basis is something I cherish, obviously not getting it for a while in Brisbane," he said.
"I think being happy makes you play better and that's probably where it's come from.
"It was really pleasing to see (Lions forward Josh) Schache re-sign this year, as an AFL observer, but they've got some talented kids up there and a good few players.
"I think Dayne Zorko is a star of the competition and probably doesn't get as much recognition as he deserves, but they've got a good list and they're growing – just like we are – and we play them in a few weeks, which will be exciting."
