The last time Carlton met Sydney, the Swans jumped them early and cantered away to the easiest of victories and the Blues are desperate to avoid a repeat scenario in their elimination final at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.
"They definitely blew us away," Blues midfielder Kade Simpson said on Friday at Tullamarine Airport.
"Last time they got us from centre clearances at Etihad. That's one focus that our midfielders definitely looked at to improve."
"It's not the one guy that stands up every week. It's everyone playing their part and 22 contributors getting them (the Swans) over line."
Star midfielder Adam Goodes caused no end of headaches for the Blues in the Round 16 clash, particularly early, but Simpson says his side's focus will extend far beyond the two-time Brownlow medalist.
"He's such a great player but they're such an even side all over the ground and that's what they base everything – their evenness," he said.
Andrew Carazzo still has hamstring troubles but Simpson said he was certain to line up.
Out-of-favour Shaun Hampson relinquished his spot to Sam Jacobs, a move Simpson hopes will pay dividends.
"He's a great tap ruckman. He's obviously a very big guy and is hard to move, so he'll be good," he said.
"If Mumford comes back in, that will be a great battle between those two because they are pretty similar players. They're both big bodies and love the contest."
The Blues will train at ANZ Stadium on Saturday. For many players, it will be the first time they have set foot on the vast expanses of the arena.