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Carlton co-captain Patrick Cripps has paid tribute to axed AFL coach Brendon Bolton, saying he had a major influence on his development.

After sacking Brendon Bolton midway through the AFL season, will Carlton become the second team in as many weeks to enjoy a short-term bounce?

Caretaker coach David Teague will lead the Blues for the first time on Saturday when they host Brisbane at Marvel Stadium.

Teague served as an assistant coach at West Coast, St Kilda and Adelaide before joining the Blues, where he has overseen the club's forwards.

With the Blues having won just one of their first 11 games, the fifth-placed Lions will present a steep challenge.

But Teague need look no further than North Melbourne to see how a coaching change can galvanise a struggling team.

Less than a week after parting ways with Brad Scott, the Roos posted a stunning 37-point win over Richmond under the watch of interim coach Rhyce Shaw.

The challenge for Teague is helping his players regroup from Bolton's axing.

"We're all pretty shattered. He's meant a lot to our group," co-captain Patrick Cripps said.

"The hard thing about coaching these days is it is a win-loss caper. Unfortunately we didn't win enough games and they made the decision based on that.

"We back the club in for what it's worth, and we look forward to moving on."

Cripps has been a shining light for the Blues in an otherwise dismal season and the midfield star said Bolton had been a major influence.

"He's been a massive part of my development, not only as a player but as a leader and a person," Cripps said.

"One thing Bolts really taught me is the work ethic it takes to succeed in life, and his work ethic is second to none. I've never seen someone work as tirelessly as he has.

"I was disappointed, I had a strong connection with Bolts and he was a good mentor so I'm definitely grieving a little bit."