Carlton Blues News

Carlton goalsneak Eddie Betts says football saved him from a life of crime and probable jailtime.

"If I didn't get drafted I would have nothing," Betts said.

"I had no work, I had no education, I couldn't read or write. I was going down the wrong path. I would be in jail or I wouldn't have a clue where I'd be, that's the truth."

Carlton's Ryan Houlihan will not play again in 2010 after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his knee.

Carlton coach Brett Ratten is pleased young forward Lachie Henderson is starting to deliver on his promise.

"He is only a young man. He is a great kid and has worked extremely hard on his
game and I think he has built that up over the last couple of weeks," Ratten said.

Carlton coach Brett Ratten is confident midfielder Brock McLean still has a role to play this year, despite more knee surgery.

"It's still alive, he's just had a day procedure there, so he won't have too many hiccups with that," Ratten said.

"He might miss an extra week, but he should play not this week coming but the following week."

Carlton's Brock McLean will undergo further knee surgery but is still hoping to return before season's end.

Carlton ensures young forward Chris Yarran will stay with the club until the end of the 2012 season with a new contract.

"It's great for me that the coaches have the faith in me for another two-year deal and I was rapt when I got it," Yarran said.

"Hopefully I can return the favour and play some good footy toward the end of this year and in the two years to come. I love Carlton. It's such a good club and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

Carlton coach Brett Ratten says Eddie Betts is in All-Australian form after the small forward kicked five goals against Brisbane.

"Eddie's playing outstanding football and he was best-on-ground for mine," Ratten said.

"He was outstanding - he's in All-Australian form. It's not the first time he's done that, but I think it's also what he does for Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett as well. He [also] gives the big forwards some confidence as well to know ... that they don't have to mark every ball that comes in."

Brock McLean will undergo knee surgery that will keep him out for four weeks and says his injury plagued season has been frustrating after wanting to impress at his new club Carlton.

"It has been frustrating and of course there are the expectations of supporters, but for me it's more about the expectations I put on myself," McLean said.

"I understand supporters wanting me to play well, that's fair enough. Hopefully, I will get the chance (when I come back) to play games in a row and get some form."

Carlton's Matthew Kreuzer has decided against revolutionary LARS surgery on his ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

"Following discussions with the medical team and Matthew it was decided to have the more conventional surgery that uses a graft taken from the patella tendon," a statement from Carlton said.

"This decision was based on what is considered to be the best for Matthew's long term future."

Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer's season is over after rupturing his arterior cruciate ligament in the clash against Fremantle at Etihad Stadium.

"We will look at all options available and make a decision in conjunction with Matthew and the medical team on the best treatment for Matthew's long term recovery," football operations manager Steven Icke said.

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says he is surprised that Carlton dropped former Demon Brock McLean for the clubs' clash on Saturday.

I know that he's played through these type of injuries before, so it must be a little bit more serious than perhaps they're letting on," Bailey said.

"I'm sure Brock would be keen to go and keen to play this week but I think they've got their legitimate reasons why he's not. We'll have to wait for next year."

Bryce Gibbs had 45 possessions against West Coast equalling Greg Williams' Carlton record set in 1993, but he says he had no idea why the crowd was cheering every disposal.

"You don't notice it too much - it's like any other time I suppose, you just get it and get rid of it," he said.

"You can't worry about the possessions too much - I didn't know what the crowd was going on about then (Marc) Murphy was saying you are racking it up - it was weird."

Carlton's Marc Murphy is keen to shake the 'young' tag as he approaches his 100th game.

"I'm in my fifth year now, so I'm starting to be a bit of a veteran around the club," Murphy said.

"We're so young down there. I was having a look at the average ages of teams and we're about 23. I'm turning 23 in a month-and-a-half, so I'll be right on that average age."

The Blues have re-signed key youngster Bryce Gibbs for a further two years.

"I am playing with a team that is committed to working together to achieve success and we train at the best facilities, as good as any in the world," Gibbs said.

"Carlton is my home and I am thrilled to be a part of the Carlton Football Club and it is my aim to play my entire AFL career at Carlton."

Carlton coach Brett Ratten has joined the Barry Hall debate, questioning the tactics used by Kangaroo Scott Thompson to rile the reported Bulldog.

Thompson was seen to niggle Hall as the forward doing up his shoelaces.

"I wouldn't like to to see my son doing it or being the one that's being hit - that's my answer," Ratten said.

"I think we have a responsibility as AFL clubs and the AFL to make sure nothing goes down through the grades. We're the role models for society on the field and off the field, and I think we have a responsibility there."

Jordan Russell accumulates 35 disposals and 14 marks in Carlton's thumping of the Saints.

"I feel really comfortable back there now with all the boys. It's good to play on someone and defend but also then get involved on the way out," Russell said of his role in the Blues' defence.

"All the six spots down there work together and share the load with each other which is really good."

Carlton coach Brett Ratten says Setanta O'hAilpin could be the surprise solution to the power forward vacancy left by Brendan Fevola after the Irish recruit booted five goals in a loss to Collingwood.

"It was really pleasing for the big fella to get amongst the goals. He led at the ball marked the ball strongly today and made the most of his opportunities," Ratten said.

General manager of football operations Adrian Anderson says players' third-party arrangements with people involved at the club, such as Carlton captain Chris Judd's employment as environmental ambassador at cardboardy company Visy, will be clamped down on when free agency is introduced.

"One of the factors we'll be looking very closely at is: is there commonality between the people paying the player and the people who are involved at the club?" he said.

"So if you're a director of a club, or a president of a club, and that company is associated, that would be one factor we'll be less likely in the future ... to allow."

Carlton defender Andrew Walker's frustrating run with injury has continued with a broken collarbone suffered in Monday's win over Geelong.

Carlton youngster Chris Yarran is relishing the chance to play in a forward-line with fellow indigenous stars Eddie Betts and Jeff Garlett.

"I grew up with Jeffrey, so I have a fair idea on how he is going to play," Yarran said.

"Eddie is a good leader towards us - he took us under his wing since we got to the club. It is good to have us three in the side and it was a special moment for all of us to just contribute really well on the day."

Carlton coach Brett Ratten says the club might have expected too much of utility Jarrad Waite in his return from a knee reconstruction.

"It was more that maybe our expectations were a fraction high. With his timing and things like that, he just went under a few high balls and was just out a little bit. We thought it would be good for him to go back as well, get the ball in his hands, take a few marks and get that timing back," Ratten said.

Brett Ratten says the return of Carlton's captain Chris Judd from suspension will help, but does not believe that Judd alone can get the Blues back on track after two successive losses.

"I think he'll contribute in a real positive way for the team, which will be a plus," Ratten said.

"He might be the spark that we need, but I don't think we can just put all our eggs in one basket and say Chris Judd will come out and win us the game of football."

Just six weeks after rupturing his ACL in the NAB Cup, Carlton forward Brad Fisher is running laps and eyeing a Rd 9 return.

"The knee is going really well. I've been up and running for just over a week, I've pretty much got all the swelling out of it and I'm just trying to get the full extension and straighten my leg properly," Fisher said.

"There's been a tiny little bit of muscle wastage, but other than that it's all systems go."

Forward Eddie Betts' suspension for a Christmas party indiscretion was a turning point in his career, coach Brett Ratten says.

"It's been a real turning point for Eddie - there's no doubt about it," Ratten said.

"His GPS numbers are the highest they've been in his career, his sprint efforts, his repeat efforts - everything. I think out of a mishap or a bad choice, he's made some really positive steps."

Carlton recruit Lachie Henderson says he is looking to forward to playing in more blockbuster games as a Blue with his club preparing to take on Essendon next at the MCG.

"I am not used to these big crowds, I am more used to 25,000-30,000, so it will be a big game next week," he said.

"There is a big rivalry between us so I can't wait for next week. I had never played at the MCG before, I had only played at Etihad Stadium, and it was interesting walking out there on the 'G."

Carlton coach Brett Ratten is pleased with Chris Yarran's performance against Richmond earning him a rising star nomination.

"He worked extremely hard, particularly when he didn't have the ball, and his defensive pressure was important," Ratten said.

"He has worked really hard over the off-season and has a real appreciation of what is required to succeed at this level, particularly on the defensive side of his game. Chris's big challenge now is to back it up."

Carlton forward Chris Yarran has earned an NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for his three-goal effort against Richmond.

Yarran says he has learnt to play together with fellow Blue forward Eddie Betts despite having similar game styles.

"It's pretty good. We do communicate a lot on the field. Around the stoppages we go one in, one out," he said.

"We don't really get in each other's way. We get the ball to each other a lot and hopefully we can keep doing it."

Jarrad Waite says taking 10 marks and kicking 2 goals against Richmond in the 2010 AFL season opener gave him confidence in his newly reconstructed knee.

"I was a bit nervous and it does feel like you're playing your first game again, but once you get out there and start running around it does come very natural to you and it becomes just like another game," Waite said.

Matthew Richardson proved his appeal will outlive his career, with Richmond and Carlton fans alike rising to send him off in fine style during the curtain raiser at the MCG in the 2010 season opener between the two clubs.

Carlton assistant coach Brett Montgomery says the Blues do not have high expectations for Lachlan Henderson in his debut for the club against Richmond.

"His pre-season game form has been really good and he's given us a lot of confidence that he has got an enormous workrate," Montgomery said.

"We're pleased with where he's at, but we're also quite aware of his age and his experience (15 games), so the expectation on him is only moderate. We certainly don't expect him to blow the game away."

Andrew Carrazzo will captain Carlton in his 100th AFL game against Richmond on Thursday night in the absence of the suspended Chris Judd.

First-round Blues draft pick Kane Lucas is likely to line up against Richmond in the 2010 season-opener at the MCG.

"If it doesn't happen this week it will certainly happen the next week or the week after," Carlton assistant coach Brett Montgomery said.

"He's a good kid, a smart kid and he knows the game of footy. Every time we've put him out against AFL opposition he's looked up to the class."

Former Collingwood and Carlton player Chris Bryan has been signed as an NFL punter by the Green Bay Packers.

Brock McLean says he's rediscovered his enthusiasm at Carlton after football became "a drag" in his last weeks at Melbourne.

"I'm back to enjoying what I'm doing," he told BigPond Sports Weekend.

"Footy became a bit of a drag the last four to six weeks of the year last year. The fresh start and the fresh club has just done me the world of good and I'm looking forward to the season proper now."

Chris Judd reveals that he tried his best to pull Brendan Fevola in line as the wayward forward began a series of drunken escapades that ultimately led to him being traded from Carlton.

"A lot of people have asked me since, `Why didn't you say something to him?'" Judd explained.

"I did have words with Brendan on Brownlow night and managed to stop him doing 'Street Talk'. We had a bit of an argument over that, at which time I grabbed (girlfriend) Bec and went up to bed.

"I'm completely comfortable with my behaviour on Brownlow night and what I did to help Fev. I don't feel responsible for Brendan's actions."

Carlton forward Brad Fisher says he hopes to return as early as round 7 after having revolutionary LARS knee surgery.

"I think around about Round 7 or Round 8 is when I will be back in full training and playing footy," Fisher said.

"It was four months before I started jogging with my last reco and this time it's four to six weeks."

Jarrad Waite will make his comeback in a NAB Challenge match against the Eagles at Leederville Oval in Perth.

"I'm really looking forward to it ... I'm definitely ready to start playing again. It's been a long time," Waite said.

"Obviously there's times when you're really frustrated, but you just get through it and know that it's going to turn around and that everything you do right is going to help.

"I'm pretty pumped to get back out there and excited about playing footy again."

Carlton's Brad Fisher has undergone revolutionary knee surgery after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament against the Sydney Swans on Saturday.

"Obviously this is positive news for Brad and the club as it will see him return before the second half of the season," football operations manager Stephen Icke said.

"We underwent a thorough investigation as to the best treatment for this injury understanding that the LARS surgery is not always the most appropriate and are pleased that it was for Brad's injury."

Swan Brett Kirk offered to shake hands with Carlton's Brock McLean at the start of their NAB Cup game in Blacktown, only for McLean to ignore it.

"He never shakes hands before a game, always after, and Kirky was aware of that and that's why he made a fuss," a Carlton spokesman said.

McLean was seen shaking Kirk's hand after the Swans won convincingly with McLean having a decidedly poor game.

West Coast coach John Worsfold says superstar Chris Judd being traded from the Eagles to Carlton was a positive for his club.

"If Judd stays you might be hovering up in that top eight or top four maybe for a bit longer, and then Judd retires at the same time as Glass and Kerr and Cox and Embley and you have a big dip," Worsfold said.

"Juddy going has meant we've had a dip, we've still got those other good players there and we've added in some really good talent. So it's given us a chance to build a young group together with some good senior players as well."

Blue forward Brad Fisher has torn his anterior cruciate ligament during Carlton's NAB Cup match against Sydney.

It is the same injury Fisher sustained in 2004 when he underwent a knee reconstruction.

"For a player who worked so hard through the pre-season, to only get to round one of the NAB Cup, it's not great news," Carlton coach Brett Ratten said.

Blues assistant coach Mark Riley says Judd may spend time up forward in 2010 if the rest of the Carlton midfield fires.

"He's the premier midfielder at our club and if the midfield is going OK, if we have good depth and player availability, it will open up the options of sending him forward," Riley said.

Jarrad Waite says he is excited about Carlton's new-look forward line after the departure of Brendan Fevola.

"It is really exciting because for the last 10 years that Brendan's been there, we've had one forward," Waite said.

"All clubs used to know to drop off `Fev', now we have a very potent forward line with Fisher, we'll chuck Kreuzer down there, Wiggins.

"We don't really want someone who's going to kick 80 goals, we want about four or five who are going to kick 30-35 ... and make it hard for oppositions to defend us."

Carlton's Jarrad Waite hopes to end his time on the sidelines in the third or fourth week of the NAB Cup competition.

"Hopefully I can full train for two or three weeks and then sneak in towards the end of the NAB Challenge and have a few games and then hopefully be alright for round one or two," he said.

Ex-Carlton and Essendon tagger turned umpire Jordan Bannister says more players could make the transition into the umpiring ranks.

"A lot of players have a feel for the game but I think if they can try and grasp the positioning - as I'm trying to at the moment - and just getting to the right spots," he said.

"A lot of players are probably not suited to it, the bigger type players. There's a lot of running the umpires do. I've never met a bunch of fitter guys in my life."

Carlton's Marc Murphy says he will be 'managed' from the start of the season as he returns from hip surgery.

"I'll be managed a little bit more at the start of the season than I have been in the past. I'll probably get rotated a bit more than I usually would to keep me a bit fresher rather than staying out on the ground for extended periods," Murphy said.

"I probably won't be as fit as I was at the start of last season, but I'm sure I'll get it back a few games in."

Blues skipper Chris Judd will make full use of the NAB Cup to gain valuable match fitness before his home-and-away suspension starts.

"By and large, what will happen is that because Chris does have the first three games off, he will use the NAB Cup or the NAB Cup regional challenge to get his match fitness up," Carlton football manager Steven Icke said.

"Last year we monitored his time in those games, getting him best prepared for Round 1. But because he is not available for that, he will get extended game time in each of those (pre-season) games to ensure that he has reasonable match fitness when he does return to play in Round 4."

Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer has added two years to his contract with Carlton.

"I have really enjoyed my first two years at Carlton and believe it is a fantastic time to be at the club," Kreuzer said.

"Obviously the improvement on the field and playing a final last year was great and I look forward to playing more finals and enjoying success with everyone at Carlton.

"Together with the sensational new facilities at Visy Park certainly makes Carlton a great place to be."

The AFL will take no further action against Carlton players following the Blues' controversial end of year celebrations involving drunken antics by Eddie Betts, Ryan Houlihan and Andrew Walker.

"It is important that the club continues to pursue a culture of responsible use of alcohol," AFL general manager of football Adrian Anderson said.

"The club has already taken steps to improve in this area, but the AFL will appoint an appropriate person to consult with the club to further assist the club in its approach to responsible use of alcohol."

Carlton coach Brett Ratten says he expects Jarrad Waite and Marc Murphy to recover from their knee and hip injuries respectively in time for the season opener against Richmond.

"Jarrad and Marc will not be playing in Sydney in the NAB Cup but at this stage we expect they will be ready for the opening game of the season," Ratten said.

Andrew McKay steps down from his post as the AFL match review panel chairman.

"Andrew has done an excellent job in the difficult role of chairman of the match review panel and we are very grateful for his contribution," AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said.

Carlton defender Jordan Russell says players have put last year's off-field indiscretions and controversies behind them and have started to show impressive form on the track.

"We haven't forgotten about it but post-Christmas the players and coaches have all moved on. We are looking forward to our NAB Cup round one game against Sydney," Russell said.

Carlton midfielder Marc Murphy will undergo hip surgery later this week and miss the start of the club's NAB Cup campaign.

"Marc had been on a revised program since Christmas, and it was hoped that the injury would have responded to treatment," Carlton's football operations manager Steven Icke said.

"However, after further consultation with our medical staff it was decided that surgery was the best option."

Chris Judd has writes to over 300 Blues supporters following complaints to the club over its players' pre-Christmas behaviour.

Judd writes that it was "impossible for us as players to talk our way out of this situation, each one of us has to behave our way out of it".

Errant trio Eddie Betts, Ryan Houlihan and Andrew Walker have been suspended from the Blues for a month and will not be eligible for NAB Cup selection.

The trio incurred their suspensions following a drunken episode aboard a cruise ship just prior to the Christmas break.

"They will be suspended from the club immediately for a period of one month, and during this time they will complete all training away from the rest of the player group, and with the Northern Bullants," club president Stephen Kernahan said.

"They will also be unavailable for selection for the NAB Cup, and we know this will impact on their preparation for the home and away season - clearly it was completely unacceptable."

Carlton rookie Levi Casboult says he is lucky to have survived a car accident that occurred during Christmas when an airborne car crashed into his vehicle.

"I was lucky to spend Christmas with my family. I've been really fortunate. I've walked away without even a scratch. No whiplash, no nothing," Casboult said.

Casboult also made the news after being made to consume large amounts of alcohol by his Carlton teammates aboard a cruise ship.

"They do it at every other club, whether it's AFL, VFL or whatever. It's part of being in a football club," Casboult said.

"I'm probably not even going to drink on New Year's now. I'm not going to be touching it for a long time."

The Whitelion charity is reeling as its co-founder, former AFL footballer Glenn Manton, is expected to face charges over a domestic dispute.

Police are preparing charges of aggravated burglary and recklessly causing injury and are expected to charge Mr Manton, 36, on summons.

Eddie Betts is disciplined by Carlton after being arrested and held in police cells for a short period due to being found drunk on Queen Street in Melbourne's CBD.

"While Eddie Betts was officially on leave he still has a responsibility, like all players, to maintain the standards that are required of all Carlton players and on this occasion he has not done so," Blues chief executive Gregg Swann said.

The Christmas shockers keep coming for Carlton with more players landing themselves in strife after a weekend boat cruise.

Ryan Houlihan and Andrew Walker have been penalised for their part in an incident at Crown Casino on Sunday morning.

The pair have been banned from Crown after an alleged drunken scuffle with a woman and a security guard at the casino.

Both players were hit with the maximum penalty under the League and AFL Players' Association code of conduct, understood to be $5000.

"This incident is unacceptable and a poor reflection on the Carlton Football Club," chief executive Greg Swann said in a statement.

"It is an even greater disappointment to have this type of behaviour at a time when we are making considerable improvements to the club on and off the field."

Carlton rookie Joe Dare says he tried not to get his hopes up in the rookie after missing out on being drafted in the national draft.

"I learnt from the national draft, I got a bit involved and got caught up in the hype," he said.

"I got myself fairly sure that I was going to get drafted, so I learnt to ease off this time. There's not much you can do - worrying about it isn't going to change whether a club drafts you or not."

Port Adelaide is appearing unlikely to select Cameron Cloke in the coming pre-season and rookie drafts, preferring instead to re-select the recently delisted Glenn Dawson as a rookie.

Blues recruiting manager Wayne Hughes explains his decision to draft 3 smaller players, including Kane Lucas, Marcus Davies and Rohan Kerr, at the 2009 NAB AFL draft rather than a tall player to replace the now-departed Brendan Fevola.

Hughes' explanation comes in the wake of some backlash by Carlton supporters over his decisions at the draft.

"We rated Kane Lucas higher than any of the tall players left in the draft at pick 10 as John Butcher had already gone to Port Adelaide. You will find the draft full of tall players taken first round who didn't work," Hughes said.

Hawthorn is considering drafting an experienced ruckmen, one of Chris Bryan, Cameron Cloke, John Meesen, Adam Pattison or Wayde Skipper on Thursday night.

Brisbane hired security guards to spy on new recruit Brendan Fevola when he joined friends at a hotel for a farewell to Melbourne.

Fevola is said to be initially unaware of their presence before calling the Lions to ask about them.

Former Carlton player Ian Prendergast has been appointed to the position of general manager ? player relations for the AFLPA.

"Ian's background, qualifications, experience and commitment to AFL players means he is a perfect fit for our members and our organisation," AFLPA CEO Matthew Finnis said.

"As a former player and AFLPA club delegate, Ian understands precisely what's important to players."

Former Blue Jake Edwards is in the mix to be picked up by the Bulldogs, according to coach Rodney Eade.

"We're looking for some taller forwards/defenders," Eade said on Tuesday.

"He played his last 10 games this year at the Bullants in defence and did very well. He's in the mix, whether it's senior list or rookie list."

Carlton may be forced into a six-figure contract payout after delisting Cameron Cloke if Cloke fails to find a new club via the upcoming drafts.

Delisted Carlton big man Cameron Cloke remains desperate to revive his career at a third AFL club next season with Port Adelaide understood to have had talks with him.

"Cameron's really disappointed because he is a contracted player," said David Cloke, Cameron's manager and father.

"Under the rules of the AFL, Carlton needed to make space available for the national draft. What we are going to do at the moment is see what his options are and, hopefully, find him a club where he can do some training."

Ruckman Cameron Cloke has parted ways with the Blues after 36 games in three seasons.

"We thank Cameron for his contribution to the Carlton Football Club, both on and off the field, and we wish him well for the future," general manager of football operations Stephen Icke said.

New Brisbane Lion Brendan Fevola admits he still has a special place in his heart for the Blues.

"Carlton will always be my heart,"' he said.

"I love Carlton. My little girl still runs around the house singing the theme song so I've got to try and get her to know the Brisbane theme song. I've got to learn that first then teach her.''

Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss says Brendan Fevola deserves to have a fresh start.

"I think the important thing is to say is that he's a Brisbane Lions player and he gets that chance to have that fresh start and a fresh set of eyes and as coach I'll treat him that way," he said.

Brendan Fevola says he is loving the Queensland lifestyle and weather.

"Waking up to this weather I said to my wife we may never go back, and the kids love it up here so I hope I can stay and have a new life up here," he said.

"This is a beautiful state and this weather you can't beat."

Brett Ratten says he hasn't spoken to Brendan Fevola since the key forward was traded and is disappointed he hasn't cleared the air with the now-Brisbane Lion.

"Do you call him and have a chat about it or do you expect that at 29 he might get on the front foot and talk about it? But that wasn't the case and every individual is different," Ratten said.

"Maybe he just needed some space and to reflect on it later in life."

Chris Judd says rumours that he was behind Brendan Fevola's trade to the Lions are ridiculous while adding that the loss of Fevola would make Carlton's attack more unpredictable.

"That's ridiculous ... I wasn't involved in the decision," Judd said.

"I don't think it's possible to replace like for like. I mean, we're not going to lose Fev and get a Fev. We will lose 90 goals but we will probably be more unpredictable and have more flexibility down there."

Carlton reveals that they will be paying part of Brendan Fevola's salary in 2010 after trading him to Brisbane.

"It's a very small portion of his wage, let's leave it at that. It's not half, that's for sure," Blues CEO Greg Swann said.

The Irish barman attacked by Brendan Fevola says he is still angry about the incident.

"It just makes me mad that he got away with it,'' he said.

"If I owned a pub he wouldn't get through the door. You don't want his children watching their dad and his antics played out on television or the internet.''

Carlton midfielder Nick Stevens has announced a sudden finish to his career following medical advice of the risks of playing on with a serious neck injury.

"It is very disappointing to have my career end due to injury. Retirement is not something I had been thinking about but I have no option due to the neck injury," Stevens said in a statement.

"After consulting with the specialist, the club doctor and the club as well as discussions with my family, I realised the risk in continuing to play football is far too great so the decision was forced on me."

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou says Carlton acted appropriately in dealing with Brendan Fevola.

"Brendan Fevola was fined $10,000," Demetriou said.

"That's not an insignificant amount of money, and secondly he was told that he was to be traded, and that's about as close to a sacking as I can think of.

"So we felt that the action taken by Carlton was appropriate."

Jarrad Waite's hopes of overcoming a knee injury in time for the 2010 season opener have risen thanks to an intensive two-week training camp overseen by Suki Hobson, a strength and conditioning coach at the Queensland Academy of Sport and one of the most sought-after rehabilitation consultants in the country.

"According to the schedule that we've laid out I should be ready to play my first practice match for the Northern Bullants in March," Waite said.

"So if we can hit that target it should hold me in good stead for round one. I'm progressing as I'm supposed to, but I've never done anything like this before so I'm taking it slowly."

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson says Brendan Fevola will be suspended if he is found to have sexually assaulted a journalist during the 2009 Brownlow medal count.

"At this stage the woman concerned doesn't wish to talk to us. We've provided assistance in the form of support and counselling but we're in her hands at the moment," Anderson said.

"We've encouraged her to come forward. It's always a delicate situation, but we'd like to talk to her and if we find a player has sexually assaulted a female we'll have no hesitation in suspending that player and giving them a decent holiday."

Jordan Bannister, Adam Hartlett, Adam Bentick and Jake Edwards have been delisted by the Blues.

Rookies Darren Pfeiffer, Luke Stanton and Lachlan Hill will also not be offered contracts for 2010.

Brendan Fevola reveals he tried to get Eddie McGuire to arrange for him to be traded to Collingwood on the final day of trade week before being successfully traded to Brisbane.

"I wanted to go to the Pies but Eddie couldn't get a deal done," Fevola said.

"I don't think the Blues wanted to deal with the Pies but, yeah it would have been nice to stay in Melbourne but that's the beauty about our game - it's a national sport and you can just go anywhere I suppose."

Lachlan Henderson says he put his hand up to move to Carlton after sensing he may have had a lack of opportunities at Brisbane if Brendan Fevola moved north.

"When I first heard about bringing Fev up north, I knew it would put me out for a couple of years," Henderson said.

"I spoke to Vossy on Thursday night and then again on Friday morning after the decision was made.

"He said they didn't want to lose me but it was my choice and he would understand either way. So from there it came down purely to opportunity."

Nick Stevens says he is accepting the fact that he may never play football again or risk serious damage to his neck that could make him a quadriplegic.

"If I give it away now and rest up, I'll be fine for later in life, but if I don't do that I'm a big chance to end up in a wheelchair," Stevens said.

Lions coach Michael Voss has no concerns about Brendan Fevola's off-field antics.

"I've been aware like most people what happened on Brownlow night. I think for us it's about being able to provide the environment and support he needs. I think we have a very healthy football culture at our club that's going to help Brendan maximise his football capabilities," Voss said.

New Brisbane Lion Brendan Fevola says his post-Brownlow behaviour was "absolutely disgusting".

"It was absolutely disgusting, my behaviour. I've been in trouble a bit over the time and you never really see what's happened, and to watch those tapes of the Footy Show you just look at it and think 'I don't want to be that person' and you don't want to be back there again and it was quite embarrassing," Fevola said.

Carlton president Stephen Kernahan expresses his sorrow at having to trade Brendan Fevola says if he could take back Brownlow Medal night, he would.

"I have got a heavy heart; I have been through a lot with Brendan personally over 11 years and he was a fantastic player for this footy club. If I could turn back Brownlow Medal night, and this is just me speaking, absolutely I would," he said.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson says the league has not yet received an official complaint regarding allegations of harassment against Brendan Fevola by a female member of the media that was broadcast on radio station 3AW .

"We have spoken to the employer of the woman concerned, and provided support and access to counselling," Anderson said.

"We've also made it clear the AFL is ready and willing to act on any breach of how we expect our players to behave towards women."

The Brisbane Lions will boast the game's most feared forward line, after landing Brendan Fevola and draft pick No. 27 in exchange for young key position player Lachlan Henderson and pick No. 12.

"Prior to the AFL exchange period we announced that we had made what was a difficult decision for everyone at Carlton, that we would be seeking to trade Brendan Fevola, and following discussions with Brendan during the last week he agreed he needed a change of environment for his future and his preference was to be traded rather than return to Carlton," Carlton president Stephen Kernahan said regarding the trade.

"This decision is based on what we believe is best for the Carlton Football Club, importantly the playing group or individual players were not involved in the decision, it was a matter for the club and not just an on-field issue."

Michael Rischitelli's reluctance to join the Blues puts the trade involving a swap for Brendan Fevola with him and teammate Daniel Bradshaw in jeopardy.

''He's staying in Brisbane,'' Rischitelli's manager Rick Olarenshaw said.

''He's got a Queensland girl, long-term partner, and he's happy in Queensland. And he loves playing for Vossy.''

Brisbane Lions Daniel Bradshaw and Michael Rischitelli were given a tour of Carlton's headquarters at Visy Park after being linked to a trade involving Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola.

Bradshaw will have to pass a medical examination before Carlton accepts the deal.

Colingwood great Tony Shaw is critical of Magpies skipper Nick Maxwell for voicing his opinion against trading for Brendan Fevola saying that there was no room in the team for the Blues forward.

"I reckon Nick has done a great job, but is he saying that's a club issue or his own issue? Because he shouldn't be commenting on recruitment at all," Shaw said.

"That should be left to the recruiting and administration and the coaching staff. As captain you don't even get involved in that stuff."

Garry Lyon, a close friend of Brendan Fevola, says he supports Carlton's decision to put their key forward up for trade.

'It's a brave move, but if you are a supporter of Carlton, I'd support it, because they are in the best place to make that sort of a call,'' Lyon said.

'I hope Carlton benefit as a stronger unit and I hope Fev benefits with a lesson learnt, and he goes on and plays fantastic footy somewhere else.''

Brendan Fevola's first AFL coach David Parkin says he feels some responsibility for the wayward forward's actions.

"We've got to take the blame that we didn't change or modify his behaviour early in his career and he has maybe been able to get away with things that he shouldn't have," Parkin said.

Carlton has lost patience with Brendan Fevola and will try to offload the full-forward in next week's trade period.

"I acknowledge that this is largely of my own doing, I remain remorseful for the events of the past 10 days and once again apologise to those people I have let down - especially family and friends," Fevola said in a statement in response.

"But I cannot turn back the clock. Instead I will welcome the opportunity to join a new club and look forward to pursuing the dream of an AFL premiership."

John Nicholls medalist Chris Judd believes that young guns Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs succeed him as the Carlton's best and fairest in the coming years.

"Obviously 'Murph' was pretty stiff to miss out on All-Australian selection and Gibbs had a fantastic year as well," Judd said.

"It's always a huge honour to win the best and fairest. The two young blokes are pushing really hard so it may be my last for a while."

Carlton president Stephen Kernahan has not ruled out the possibility of Brendan Fevola being made available for trade following the spearhead's indiscretions last week.

"We've seen what happened last week, which no-one is really happy with," he said.

''We all want 'Fev' to be there next year, it's just getting over what happened the other night.''

"Anything is possible -we've got a decision to make."

Blues skipper Chris Judd wins his second John Nicholls Medal as Carlton's best and fairest, edging out Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs.

Brendan Fevola, whose unsociable behaviour has been under scrutiny of late, has told the Carlton Football Club that he will not be attending their best-and-fairest count at Crown Casino.

"As this is an important function for the Carlton Football Club, with 1,500 guests attending, the club has accepted his decision to ensure there is no distraction from the John Nicholls Medal function," Carlton said in a statement.

Brendan Fevola has agreed not to take part in the grand final motorcade so as not to detract from the day after his drunken escapades during the Brownlow medal presentation.

Carlton has moved to quash rumours that a neck injury will force Nick Stevens to quit football.

"We have met with Nick and had discussions with the medical team regarding his future and at this stage no decision has been made on his immediate playing future," chief executive Greg Swann said.

"Nick overcame a serious neck injury in 2007 to return to AFL and he has continued to have regular scans on his neck to ensure he is right to play.

"Obviously if the medical team has any doubts about Stevens continuing his career, both Nick and the club will be guided by the recommendations."

Nick Stevens' career is in doubt and may be forced into early retirement by a serious neck injury.

He is suspected to have suffered an injury against Adelaide in round 22 in the same area as the prolapsed disc that caused him grief in 2007.

Blues spearhead Brendan Fevola has been fined $10,000 by the club for his unruly and drunken behaviour at the Brownlow Medal count.

"While Brendan is officially on holidays, he was representing the Carlton Football Club and the AFL at Monday night's function," Carlton CEO Greg Swann said in a statement released by the club.

"Much of his behaviour, particularly at the post Brownlow function, was totally unacceptable."

Carlton's Brendan Fevola is expected to be kicked off the Grand Final edition of The Footy Show after his drunken antics at the Brownlow Medal.

"He is a repeat offender and he will have to be answerable to his club and I have got no doubt that he will be,'' AFL chief Andrew Demetriou said.

"He knows by his own admission that he doesn't handle alcohol well, so he has got to start listening to his own advice. That is the first thing.''

Adelaide tagger Rob Shirley says praise from Gary Albett has given him added confidence before the do-or-die Collingwood clash.

Ablett identified Shirley and Carlton youngster Aaron Joseph as his toughest opponents this season.

"That's a great compliment from a great player. It gives me a bit of confidence," Shirley said.

Carlton captain Chris Judd has made an unsuccessful appearance before the AFL appeals board on Thursday night and his three-match ban for making contact with what Judd described as Lion Michael Rischitelli's "pressure point" will stand.

"I'm disappointed with the result," Judd said.

"Obviously the act itself was less than a second's worth of stupidity. Probably even more stupid were my comments in the press the next day with reference to a pressure point.

"It was a comment which evoked a lot of passion amongst both the media and the public alike. I've since watched a couple of Steven Seagal movies and realised that pressure points are no laughing matter."

Brendan Fevola comes under fire for his Mad Monday antics after waving a pink dildo around while out with teammates at a pub following the end of his club's 2009 season.

"I got set up a little bit there, but I think the boys erupted when the thing come out," he said.

"It was quite funny at the time. Wasn't funny the next day, though."

Carlton aims to overturn captain Chris Judd's three match suspension for misconduct against Michael Rischitelli.

Carlton is appealing on the basis that ''the decision was so unreasonable that no tribunal acting reasonably could have come to that decision having regard to the evidence before it''.

Judd has earlier claimed he was attempting to inflict pain on Rischitelli by making contact with a "pressure point" on Rischitelli's face but later claimed it was just a "poorly timed joke".

Carlton captain Chris Judd will miss the first three matches of the 2010 season after being found guilty of misconduct for making inappropriate contact with Lion Michael Rischitelli's face.

Judd was initially offered a two-match suspension but chose to contest the charge unsuccessfully resulting in his three-match ban.

"Obviously I'm disappointed with the outcome but now we'll go and assess our options and we'll make further comment at a later date," Judd said after the hearing.

The match review panel charges Carlton's Chris Judd with misconduct for making unnecessary contact with Lion Michael Rischitteli's face.

Judd can accept a two-match ban for his transgression.

AFL Ron Barassi slams Carlton captain Chris Judd over his maneuver involving facial pressure points on Brisbane's Michael Rischitelli.

"It's disappointing because this guy is a hero for many, many people, including myself. Because he's a great player, he's got strength, skill, the whole lot. And he seems to keep himself in good shape mentally and physically and he says the right things. He'll regret this day for a long while," Barassi said.

Chris Judd's is expected to face an eye-gouging charge against Brisbane's Michael Rischitelli despite the Carlton captain claiming he was only making contact with Rischitelli's pressure point.

"I was pushing my thumb into the pressure point behind his ear," Judd said.

"It's a pretty stupid thing to do. I haven't actually seen it on the footage, but I assume my hands are close to his eyes. I don't know if the pressure point was really hurting him, but it was a dumb thing to do."

Carlton captain Chris Judd is seen to have made questionable contact with Lion Michael Rischitelli's face as the two struggled while on the ground in the elimination final between the two sides at the Gabba.

Aaron Joseph has gone down with an ankle injury in the first quarter of Carlton's elimination final match against Brisbane Lions.