It's not so much Melbourne being fired up by their week of woe which worries Carlton ahead of their AFL clash, but their record of quickly bouncing back from heavy defeats.

The Demons are expected to come out firing against the Blues on Saturday at the MCG after a nightmarish week started with a 186-point loss to Geelong and ended with the club in turmoil.

Coach Dean Bailey's post-match sacking was followed by allegations of unrest and discord between the football department and players, and "tanking" allegations.

And new caretaker coach Todd Viney has wielded the axe on the underperforming Dees, dropping regulars Colin Sylvia and Liam Jurrah.

But in-form Carlton midfielder Kade Simpson is just as mindful of Melbourne's ability to bounce back from heavy beatings this season as he is of the pent-up frustration they are likely to unleash on the Blues.

"This year, they've come off three disappointing losses and the next week bounced back," Simpson said on Friday.

"They're a young side, they're resilient and they can do those things.

"Everyone has a bad week, and you're always looking to bounce back and turn things around."

There are few worries for the Blues, though, who keep marching strongly towards a top-four place and fought back well to beat North Melbourne last weekend.

But with fifth-placed West Coast near-certainties to get another four points against struggling Richmond on Sunday, the Blues must beat the Demons to keep clear of the only side outside the top-four capable of dislodging them.

The Blues' big win over Melbourne when they last met in May led to taunts from Carlton players that the Dees played "bruise-free footy".

Simpson said that had not been discussed anywhere inside his club in the build-up.

"We're expecting fierce attack on the ball and a good contest and, no doubt, they'll come out firing," Simpson said.

Defender Aaron Joseph replaces Ryan Houlihan in the Blues' only change, with the Demons making five including promoting livewire Aaron Davey and midfielder Tom Scully.

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