Carlton defender Bret Thornton has rejected fears AFL games could turn ugly this season as teams resort to unattractive zoning tactics.

Several coaches have noted that the ongoing shift towards a swarming zone defence during the NAB Cup has mitigated against the traditional one-on-one contests.

But Thornton believes once the premiership season begins in late March, teams will revert to a more traditional style.

Essendon coach Matthew Knights and Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade have warned fans they will be watching even more zoning than last year, when the tactic was refined by premiers Hawthorn.

But Thornton feels the visual appeal of the game will not deteriorate.

"A few of the coaches have come out and said footy's become a bit ugly but it's only NAB Cup and clubs are trialling different things," he said on Monday.

"I think by round one we'll see some really attractive footy again.

"When you're out there playing it's hard, you're can't really see that it's ugly.

"I suppose from a supporter's point of view, and people at the game, they can see the zoning and all that makes it a bit ugly but from a player's point of view when you're out there you can't really feel that."

However he admitted that the Blues, like several other clubs, had experimented with pushing large numbers behind the ball, following the example of the Hawks, the team they beat on Sunday in the NAB Cup quarter-finals.

"I suppose with them winning the flag last year it's hard not to practise a bit of what they preach, so to speak," he said.

"But I don't think anyone's out there to copy Hawthorn, we're just out there to do our own thing and put in our plans - I don't think it's solely a Hawthorn thing."

Meanwhile, Thornton said that Carlton's enthusiasm for the NAB Cup was a weekly proposition, following its path through to the semi-finals with the 24-point win over the Hawks at Docklands on Sunday.

"We're not getting carried away with it - Hawthorn had a lot out but to be five goals down in the second quarter and to overcome that and come back and win was pleasing for a young group," he said.

"I think it's a week-by-week thing - our main aim is round one and the season proper.

"If we can get more pressure-like games into the young players who have come in over the last few weeks it's a real bonus for the club."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP