MICHAEL Voss still gets a shiver down his spine when recalling Carlton's round two demolition of the Brisbane Lions.
Both teams went into the Easter Thursday fixture at the Gabba on the back of first up victories, but the Blues dismantled the home team and won by 91 points.
It was a quick reality check for the Lions as Chris Judd and Marc Murphy ran riot in the midfield, Eddie Betts took two contenders for Mark of the Year and Jarrad Waite provided a sharp focal point with five goals.
As the teams prepare to meet again on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium, Voss said it was a performance he still marvelled over.
"They pulled us apart," Voss said at the Gabba on Friday morning.
"I maintain, despite what's happened to them across the year, they've been the best side we've played the whole year.
"Their aggressive running … we got their brutal best. We should be completely understanding and respectful of the capabilities of what Carlton can do. Left unchecked and not putting pressure on will not be a good result for us."
Despite being without the suspended Judd, Carlton welcomes back Mitch Robinson and Andrew Walker.
Voss said the Blues' line-up was starting to get a familiar look about it after a season curtailed by injuries.
"They've got most of their guys back now," he said.
"The midfield contest every week is crucial and it becomes even more important against some sides and that's their genuine strength.
"Judd's been in there the last few times we've played them and he's not this time, but they've got a couple of handy ins that strengthen their midfield again.
"I'm looking forward to seeing how our mid group can match it against those guys."
One Lions midfielder sure to get his teeth stuck into the contest is Brownlow medallist Simon Black, who was used as a substitute against Richmond last week.
Voss said his star onballer would start this week after having a good week with his troublesome knee.
"And he's going to move like Usain Bolt," he joked.
"He's going OK. The whole purpose was to lighten his load and we've done that so he'll be fine."
After going inside 50 just 39 times against the Tigers, Voss said it was important the Lions give their key forwards more chances this weekend.
"Browny had limited opportunities and kicked four goals. Our half-forwards are doing an enormous amount of work. We need to get some more clean ball for them and more opportunities.
"One of the strengths of this group is we've scored very efficiently when we've gone in there. You don't have to be Einstein to figure out the more times we get it in there, the more chance we have to score."
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
