While Richmond coach Terry Wallace has declared that Saturday's clash with Carlton represents a 'line in the sand', Brett Ratten believes the contest is no less significant for his Blues, saying he expects it to shape the club's season.

Stung by last Sunday's loss to Essendon which cost Carlton a chance to consolidate a place in the top eight, Ratten appreciates that Saturday's match, which commemorates the centenary of Richmond's admission to the VFL, is effectively an eight-point game and the loser's finals prospects will take a serious hit.

"It's an important part of the year, going into a break, we both need a win," Ratten said.

"It could be a defining game for us; it could shape our season to give us hope and confidence going forward or it could diminish that hope and confidence, so it is a big game for us."

One positive for the Blues is that since getting their first win on the board in Round 4 which broke a record-equalling run of 14 straight losses, they haven't been beaten back-to-back.

Ratten said being able to rebound quickly has been a priority at Princes Park this season.

"It's always important for a young team to bounce back after a performance that's not acceptable," Ratten said.

"It is important for us to get back on that winning cycle because it is about confidence and the longer you stay down, the more you lose so, for us, it's been great that we have bounced back straight after a loss."

Quizzed about whether the Blues had become too one-dimensional and Fevola-conscious in attack, Ratten said his star forward's leads were generally so well-timed and his presence so compelling that he's almost invariably the best option.

But Ratten agreed that he needs to find a way to create more diversity within goalscoring range.

"We need to bring other players into the picture," he said.

"We've got match committee this arvo and we've allowed five hours for match committee today so we might use the whole five just on that issue alone."