AMID a trying period at Ikon Park, there are signs of Carlton's growth shining through.

Of those signs, a developing midfield group that is among the youngest in the competition is providing the Blues with the most telling indication that things could be on the way up.

Carlton has improved to become the fourth-best clearance team in the League through the first seven games of the year, defying the relative inexperience of its onball brigade.

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Patrick Cripps, at just 24 years of age, leads the Blues for centre bounce attendances. The next midfielders in that queue are Zac Fisher (20 years old), Paddy Dow (19), Sam Petrevski-Seton (21), Will Setterfield (21), Sam Walsh (18) and David Cuningham (22).

This week, they'll come up against one of the AFL's most dominant opposition teams in Collingwood. But rather than shy away from the test, they're determined to rise to it.

"(We have) quite a young midfield group, but we don't like to call ourselves young," one of those improving onballers, Petrevski-Seton, told AFL.com.au.

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"We're putting in the hard work on the track, just to try to set ourselves up for a good year as a midfield group.

"We're coming up against Collingwood this week and their midfield is probably one of the best in the competition.

"We try to pick up a few patterns from other midfields with their strengths and weaknesses, but for our group we just try to control what we can control."

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Petrevski-Seton has perhaps been the biggest improver within Carlton's midfield.

He is averaging significantly higher numbers across the board, with Blues officials impressed by his ability to combine a strong contested game with his class by foot on the outside.

His development was capped with a career-high 35-disposal game in a victory over the Western Bulldogs in round five, which was complemented by seven clearances and a goal.

"I suppose it was a little breakout game," Petrevski-Seton said.

"I'd like that to be consistent each week, so I'm working hard to get those numbers every time I play.

"Throughout the game, finding the footy keeps you awake. Knowing where the footy is, you can get a lot of energy off a few early touches."

While learning from Cripps has been valuable, Petrevski-Seton says the young group are focused on ensuring the co-captain doesn't carry all of the burden this season.

"We all keep each other accountable," Petrevski-Seton said.

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"We're not just relying on Crippa to carry the load. It comes down to us younger boys to build that chemistry within the week.

"Planning our week is a big thing here. Whether it's looking at opposition teams, doing our pattern work … having that strong relationship really helps have a good midfield."