Brendan Bolton has hinted that the Blues' gameplan for Saturday's clash against rivals Collingwood will be "more creative."

Carlton revealed on Thursday night that Mitch McGovern will return to Bolton's side, coming back from a hamstring injury, joining fellow key forwards Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Levi Casboult.

Bolton flagged that with key defender Liam Jones withdrawn through concussion, the idea of moving one of the four forwards into defence wasn't out of the question for the clash at the MCG.

“We’re probably going to mix things up with positions,” Bolton said.

“I’m probably not going to allude to exactly what that’s going to look like at the moment. But we’ll probably be slightly more creative with where they’ll play.”

McGovern looks best to suite a more defensive role for the Blues, with Curnow also in the running to be pushed further up the ground following Carlton's decision to drop wingman Lochie O'Brien from their 22 man side.

Jones looks to make his return to football next week against Greater Western Sydney, with Bolton revealing the defender was "coming along pretty well now” following a heavy hit in round seven.

Following the Blues' 58-point loss to North Melbourne, Bolton admitted his side “didn’t play anywhere near the level” expected and plan to bounce back.

“We thought our effort indicators had been pretty strong prior to that but on the weekend they weren’t and pressure and heat comes with that,” Bolton said.

“So we understand it, expect it and what’s important is we respond the right way.”