CARLTON coach Brendon Bolton is confident his players can maintain their balance of physicality and discipline, with a fiery round two clash against Melbourne still in their minds as they prepare for Sunday's rematch.
Blues Patrick Cripps (fractured jaw) and Sam Rowe (concussion) were injured by strikes from Demons Jordan Lewis and Jesse Hogan when the teams met at the MCG earlier this season.
Bolton said his players "understand what went on last time", but they were professional and needed to have the right balance of playing on the edge and remaining disciplined.
"I think we've got the right balance. We haven't crossed the edge there and had ridiculous reports or anything," Bolton said on Saturday.
"Our players are human and they understand what went on last time, but our players are not only disciplined, they are professionals.
"[What happened last time] can be a distracting thought, and we need to go out and implement a system and a style that is most important.
"That other stuff is a sideshow really."
Carlton has had just two players charged by the Match Review Panel this season, with Levi Casbout and Patrick Cripps fined $1000 for rough conduct and forceful front-on contact offences respectively.
Five Melbourne players have been suspended for a total of 13 games including Tom Bugg's six-match ban. Bernie Vince (one), Lewis (three), Hogan (two) and Christian Salem (one) have all spent time on the sidelines.
Both coaches have spoken about 'playing on the edge', but Bolton said that mindset should not lead to undisciplined acts that end in suspensions.
"We're a footy club that likes to play on the edge and we're learning to do that," the coach said.
"However, at the same time we're a club that is extremely disciplined and we expect both this week.
"We need our team to play on the edge, but just as importantly we need our team to stay disciplined, which they have all year."
The Blues have had a focus on tackling at training this week as they prepare to take on a Melbourne midfield that has been hit hard with injuries to co-captains Nathan Jones (quad) and Jack Viney (foot), as well as Dom Tyson (knee).
Despite those omissions, Bolton said the Demons' depth meant they could not be taken lightly.
"Any player out helps, but that's also really dangerous thinking, because Melbourne play a strong system in and around the contest," the coach said.
"We need to be ready to play aggressive footy in and around the contest.
"Not trying to dismiss that they've got a couple out, but that's really dangerous and we've got to go and bring our style of footy."
Young forward Harry McKay has been named as an emergency but is unlikely to be called on, with the Blues' 22 fit and settled.
Bolton said first-year defender Harrison Macreadie would be given the opportunity to play a similar role to injured backman Caleb Marchbank (shoulder) who has shone as an intercepting player.
"It's just another investment for the long game of our football club, getting a first-year to play that role," Bolton said.
"We've just replaced that role there quite easily."
