CARLTON is expecting St Kilda to come out breathing fire on Sunday, and history suggests the Blues are right to be on guard.

After each heavy loss this season the Saints have rebounded in style, winning their subsequent match.

Most recently they were humbled by West Coast in round eight, only to respond with a 46-point win over Essendon.

Last round St Kilda suffered an 88-point loss to Adelaide, leaving Blues coach Brendon Bolton wary ahead of the Etihad Stadium meeting on Sunday afternoon.

"Undoubtedly after a loss they usually bounce back with real determination so we're preparing for a brutal contest," Bolton said.

"We've got to be on."

The coach wouldn't be drawn on whether Jack Silvagni would become a third-generation Carlton player this round, following in the footsteps of his father, champion Stephen and grandfather, Blues legend Serge.

The 18-year-old was named on an extended bench with a decision still to be made on whether he will make debut.

"He's right in the mix," Bolton said.

"There's no hiding he's a Silvagni and it would be fantastic for our members to watch a young buck.

"If and when he does play it will give our club a real boost - to see another Silvagni out there would be exciting."

Carlton is sitting 10th, four points off three teams in the eight, but Bolton said finals footy wasn't a motivation at this stage.

The Blues are facing St Kilda without skipper Nick Riewoldt, who has been sidelined with a knee injury.

Bolton said the young team, currently 13th, still had multiple threats.

"They can transition the ball really quickly," he said.

"They've got good rebound with (Shane) Savage and (Leigh) Montagna off halfback, in the midfield (David) Armitage and (Jack) Steven so we need to nullify their ball movement and win the ball in around the contest."