Carlton Blues News

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.

Young Carlton midfielder Bryce Gibbs feels he's ready for the Blues' first final since 2001 to be played against the Brisbane Lions.

"Personally I don't know what it's all about but I'll just keep my routine the same this week and do everything I've been doing this year," he said.

"Obviously the game's intensity is going to pick up and it's going to be a bit of a challenge to keep their crowd quiet.

"I'll just treat it like another game and prepare how I've prepared all year."

Former Richmond coach Terry Wallace accuses several Carlton players of being downhill skiers after they were comprehensively beaten by Adelaide.

"Carlton have got some midfielders who've got to learn how to defend, they only want to play one direction and I'm quite happy to name them. I think (Marc) Murphy, (Heath) Scotland, (Nick) Stevens, (Chris) Judd - those four guys just don't defend," Wallace said on SEN.

Carlton coach Brett Ratten did not agree with Wallace's assessment of his playing group.

"I heard a little bit of it. That's up to Terry. That's his opinion and he can have it," a Ratten said.

"Terry may have made an observation that was part of last week's game, but I don't think you can put that down to a season's performance.

"It's very unfair to our group."

The suspension of Blues forwards Cameron Cloke, Eddie Betts and Jeff Garlett has given Carlton assistant coach Matthew Lappin headaches in the lead-up to the Adelaide clash.

"Eddie's number two in the league for forward 50 tackles and Jeff, on average in the games he's played, rates really highly as well," Lappin said.

"We've taken out our two best forward 50 tacklers alongside Brendan, who'll be our best tackler this week hopefully, so that's a fair bit going out of side defensively in the front half, so hopefully the guys who come into that area can carry a bit of that slack.

"We might go a bit tall at times this week just to mix things up a bit and see what might work for us in a final if we need to go that way."

Carlton captain Chris Judd says his team will probably not win the flag after missing out on the top four this year.

"The first three years at West Coast I guess we sort of limped into the finals and we just made it in there," he said.

"In my fourth, fifth and sixth years at the club we were a real top four team and each of those years, when you finish in the top four, you feel you're a chance to win the big dance.

"So we're probably in neither of those situations this time.

"A couple of weeks out from the finals we knew we were in there, but by the same token we're not a top four side and it's unlikely we'll be winning a Grand Final."

Carlton has suspended Cameron Cloke, Eddie Betts and Jeff Garlett for Saturday's clash with Adelaide for being late to a recovery session scheduled on the Sunday after their win against Melbourne.

"This is very disappointing for all concerned, particularly as we play such an important game against Adelaide on Saturday, the final game before we embark on our finals campaign. While all three players have apologised for their tardy behaviour this decision ensures that everyone understands the disciplines that are required when you are part of the Carlton Football Club," said Blues football manager Steven Icke.

Brett Ratten will continue to proceed with caution in regard to Robert Warnock' return, despite the Blues pushing for a top-four spot.

"He's getting closer. I suppose we just want to make sure he's 100 per cent to come into the team if he does come into the team. We'll sit down and have a look at him train today," Ratten said.

"I'd probably say I'd be leaning toward him not play than play at the moment."

Carlton draftee Mitch Robinson will take no further part in the club's 2009 campaign after suffering a stress fracture to his foot.

"Mitch has been a livewire," Carlton coach Brett Ratten said.

"For a player to come in and have the impact physically and to physically match it straight up in his first year, I think he's done an amazing job.

"It's not great news, but that's footy sometimes."

Carlton recruit Robert Warnock's may finally play a game for his new club after spending much of the year recovering from a foot stress fracture suffered during the pre-season.

"He's certainly in consideration. His game at the weekend was the best of the three," Blues football manager Steven Icke said.

"His GPS numbers have gone up, as has his game time. So he's getting back to a reasonable level of fitness and he gives us another big-man option."

Carlton coach Brett Ratten says Aaron Joseph's new contract is a reward for jobs done on some of the game's premier onballers.

"He's done an amazing job to play on some of the better players in the competition and to beat some of them or nullify them. He's done a great job," Ratten said.

"We saw a fair bit in Aaron last year and for him to have a full pre-season I think you've seen the rewards that the players get out of that."

Michael Jamison is sent in for groin surgery, ending his campaign for 2009 after rehabilition failed to address the injury.

Carlton coach Brett Ratten says full forward Brendan Fevola will not be rattled on the field by any niggling from Chad Cornes despite Cornes saying he would try to "get under the skin" of some Carlton players.

"I don't think we have to worry about Brendan with his mindset in the game, I think he has played footy long enough, he's an experienced campaigner," Ratten said.

"Would Chad Cornes be the first to verbally attack Brendan Fevola on the football field? Brendan has played 200 games, he's probably got a list of 150 blokes plus others that have chipped in as well.

"He won't be the first and he won't be the last."

Andrew Carrazzo and Aaron Joseph have signed on to stay at the Blues until the end of 2011.

"Both players have had to work hard to be given the opportunity to play AFL, having to start as rookie players, and have made the most of the opportunities that they have earned," Carlton general manager of football operations Steven Icke said in a statement.

"They are both wonderful examples of the importance the Carlton Football Club places on development and ensuring we provide our players with the best environment and opportunity to improve both as individuals and as part of a team."

A fitness trial will determine Carlton Michael Jamison's season as the defender struggles to overcome a persistent injury that limits his running capacity.

"He had the injection over the weekend and they normally say the longer you can leave it, the better," Blues football manager Steven Icke said.

"So, he'll look to train on Thursday and then we'll make a decision on whether we'll take the long-term view or still try and get him up."

Carlton's Jordan Russell performs an excellent defensive job on Cat Steve Johnson, restricting the mercurial forward to just 13 possessions and no goals in the Blues' big win over Geelong.

"There were a couple of rumours going around before the game that he might miss out. I was really looking forward to the challenge. He's a gun player and he's shown that over the last couple of years. I was looking forward to the duel." Russell said.

"I've played up forward a fair bit in my time so it was nice to go back, do a job and help the side out."

Geelong coach Mark Thompson nominates Joel Corey as an option for standing Carlton key forward Brendan Fevola in the absence of the injured Matthew Scarlett.

"He is only an option Joel," Thompson said.

"He is a power forward. He is a really good player and Scarlo is not there, so someone else is going to have to play on him."

An ongoing groin problem could derail the season for Carlton defender Michael Jamison.

Jamison will undergo tests later this week to determine the extent of the problem.

"I think we'll find out a bit more on Friday exactly where he's at," Carlton coach Brett Ratten said.

"Will he be right for the following week? Is he out for the year? I don't know, we're sort of just sitting here and waiting.

"We'll give him every opportunity to prove one way or the other whether he's right or not right. We're just waiting on some results."

Carlton coach Brett Ratten praises Marc Murphy's performance against North Melbourne after the midfielder tallies 23 possessions despite just managing to take the field following a bout of flu.

"He was in doubt a little bit to play, which I'm amazed because he virtually crawled out of bed yesterday to train and to get through and do what he's done I think is a super effort," Ratten said.

"He had the flu but he got it later than earlier in the week which hindered him coming into the game."

Nick Stevens has worked on the right areas and looks set for an AFL return after being solid with the Northern Bullants in the VFL, says Brett Ratten.

"He's gone back and worked fairly hard on his game and tried to get some of that run back, which we saw last week," Ratten said.

"I think it's all about what the player has to do to play at senior level and Nick has worked hard at that. Last week he was in the mix, but this week he's put a big case forward to be selected."

A stint on the forward line for the Northern Bullants has given Cameron Cloke confidence he can contribute at a senior level.

"It's been really good. With the way the team changes around, you can't really be a one-position player, so it's been really good to get up forward and kick some goals and get some good form," he said.

"I know I can always go into the ruck if I need to, so it's always good to have that string to your bow."

Carlton assistant Mark Riley says Nick Stevens is a chance to play on Friday night in the blockbuster against the Magpies after spending the last two weeks playing for the Northern Bullants in the VFL since being dropped by the Blues after round 13.

"He trained this morning and he is under consideration. We know Nick's best is very good and we're all working to get him back to his very best," Riley said.

Sydney Swans defender Ted Richards has been released from hospital after four days of treatment for injuries suffered in last Saturday's horrific on-field clash with Carlton's Brendan Fevola.

The 105kg Fevola's knee broke four of Richards' ribs - two of them twice - and punctured a lung but the defender was all smiles as he left Melbourne's Alfred Hospital on Wednesday night.

"I'm feeling better. I'm just excited about being able to get out of here," he said.

"I've spent a while in here and I got a bit sick and tired of sitting in the same bed watching TV. Midday TV is not too good.

"Blood and fluid was getting into my lung and they had to drain that out. It was just a matter of getting all that out before I was allowed to go home but the lung has come up really well."

Carlton coach Brett Ratten says midfielder Nick Stevens' weight was also a factor when he was dropped three weeks ago.

Stevens has spent the past three weeks at the lower level since his omission following the Blues' loss to Essendon in round 13.

"I think all players in the situation are a little bit frustrated. You'd like to be playing senior footy and getting 30 touches each week and a couple of goals and best on ground and have it just working perfectly, but that's the game itself," Ratten said.

"His form hadn't been great, so he's just gone back and he's working on his game."

Carlton will unveil its star ruck recruit Robert Warnock in the VFL on Saturday after a season beset by injury.

But Warnock had pre-season shoulder and ankle surgery and was then placed on the long-term injury list because of foot-stress fractures.

"We expect him to play this week as long as he gets through training," Carlton football manager Steven Icke said.

"We are confident he is ready to play, and we want to get him up and ready if we make the finals."

Paul Roos has paid tribute to Ted Richards who was taken to hospital after a heavy collision with teammate Craig Bolton and Carlton's Brendan Fevola.

"He really is a courageous player but unfortunately things like that happen from time to time and I'm sure Teddy would agree with that," Roos said.

"But it was a courageous act and the real positive is that he's okay and hopefully he's up and about soon."

Carlton star Brendan Fevola has moved to quash rumours he has a gambling problem as well as rumours that he was throwing games to settle his debts.

"That's ridiculous in itself. I'd heard that one, that I was deliberating missing goals to pay off a $1 million debt," Fevola said.

"I wanted to talk about it tonight to put it to bed. You do hear a lot of rumours and I think the media and certain radio stations like to talk about gossip and hearsay."

Once interested in Brendan Fevola, Sydney now says it will not seek the Blue forward.

"If Brendan Fevola was available for trade last year, would we have been interested, yeah, we would have been," Swans coach Paul Roos said.

But asked whether the club would go after Fevola again, Roos said: "As I sit here now, no, because he's signed up for three years.

"We've got Jesse White, we've got Lewis Johnston ... so in our own minds as we sit here now, no, he certainly doesn't come into our thinking."

Carlton coach Brett Ratten still remains undecided on when to recall experienced midfielders Nick Stevens and Heath Scotland since the pair were dropped after a round 13 loss to Essendon.

Bret Thornton joins young guns Dennis Armfield and Paul Bower is signing new two-year deals with Carlton.

Young guns Dennis Armfield and Paul Bower also agreed to extend their current contracts by two years on the weekend.

"Bret is now one of our senior players and while still young at just 25 years of age, he is one of the oldest players on the Carlton list," general manager of football operations Steven Icke said.

"Dennis and Paul were both recruited to the club from Western Australia. While Paul's development as an attacking defender has been on show this season, equally impressive for us has been the development of Dennis in his second season in the AFL."

Dane Swan and Alan Didak have been sensationally backed to win the Brownlow Medal in recent weeks, with bookmakers now rating both players among the top half-dozen chances to win football's top award.

TAB Sportsbet's Gary Davies said while Geelong's Gary Ablett remained outright favourite at $3, the weight of support for the Collingwood pair meant the star Cat's price had eased.

Carlton champ Chris Judd is second pick at $3.50 and his price remained steady after a solid performance against Richmond at the weekend.

Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola produced a brilliant nine-goal haul to lift the Blues to an important 20-point win over Richmond.

Setanta O'hAilpin is making the difference as a forward for the Blues after kicking 4.3 against Fremantle at Subiaco.

"I just think he gives us really good versatility in the forward line, in that if you put a big bloke on him, he marks the ball OK, but he's better at ground level than most big blokes, so if the ball hits the deck sometimes he can be too nimble for a centre half-back," Blues assistant coach Matthew Lappin said.

"That comes from his hurling days, when you've got to bend over and pick the ball up and whack it 100 metres while some bloke's hitting you with a stick. He's been getting better forward each week, and he's really lively. I think what he brings to our forward line is a bit of an `X factor'.''

Carlton assistant coach Brett Montgomery says Nick Stevens and Heath Scotland are in the Blues mix for next week after the pair were overlooked for selection against Richmond despite performing well in the VFL.

"There's no room for them this week, but that's not to say, even with their week off from Bullants' duties, that that will be the case next week," Montgomery said.

"It might be our role to perhaps talk them through ways of getting back in, building them up and giving them options and alternatives to improve their game. I think both guys have taken it extremely well."

Carlton coach Brett Ratten says Nick Stevens and Heath Scotland still have to earn back their places despite strong performances in the VFL after being dropped from the side to face Fremantle.

"They are in the mix. They're quality players but we just went with a different team structure. We'll have to see how we go at the selection table," Ratten said.

Carlton bad boy Brendan Fevola must break a Subiaco Oval jinx to emerge a Blues match-winner against Fremantle today.

The sharpshooter has not played in a winning side against Fremantle at Subiaco in eight years.

Fevola, 28, must also overcome injured fingers on his left hand and in-form Docker Chris Tarrant to play a crucial role in the Blues staying on course for a first finals campaign since 2001.

Brendan Fevola has declared himself a certain starter for Sunday's clash with Fremantle at Subiaco despite having finger surgery.

"I'll be right. I was in and out in a couple of hours on Saturday morning. It was pre-organised on the Thursday because we had an eight-day break," Fevola said.

"I went in there, had a quick clean-up and I'll be ready to go. I can move it, which is good.

"There were a few broken bones and a few torn ligaments, so every time the ball hit my hands it ached.

"I just had to get in there and get it done for the next nine games. It's all done and fixed and I'm looking forward to the weekend."

Bombers defender Tayte Pears has been rewarded for his shutdown job on Brendan Fevola with a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.

"I was very nervous. I grew up watching 'Fev' play footy for years. I used to love watching him, and to get the chance to play on him was pretty big. I was definitely nervous going in to the game," Pears said.

Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola is not a certain starter for the match against Fremantle this weekend after having surgery on his finger.

"Brendan had minor surgery on Saturday to repair ligament damage in his little finger," Carlton's general manager football operations Steven Icke.

"We are hopeful that Brendan will train later in the week and be available for selection."

Second-year Essendon defender Tayte Pears will be given the daunting task of nullifying Carlton full-forward Brendan Fevola at the MCG tonight.

Kade Simpson will celebrate his 100th game tomorrow night knowing he will be a Blue until at least the end of the 2011 season.

The club today confirmed the 25-year-old left-footer had agreed to a two-year extension to his contract.

"I'm very happy to stay because I love this club," Simpson said.

"It's good now that we're starting to win a few games. It's been a lot more enjoyable than it has been over the last few years."

Young Essendon defender Tayte Pears will get first crack at Blues' full forward Brendan Fevola on Friday night.

Essendon assistant coach Alan Richardson said the Bombers would resist the temptation to start with the more experienced Dustin Fletcher on the dangerous forward.

"Fletcher will certainly get his opportunity to play on Fev. Tayte Pears will be the one early. He will get first crack and he has been in terrific form so he will get first go," Richardson said.

"The way Fletcher plays, it will be more a team defence than perhaps a one-on-one defence. We hope we can get that structure right."

Carlton coach Brett Ratten says Brendan Fevola's extroverted nature and growing influence on his teammates make him even more valuable.

"What Brendan brings to our team is that extroverted nature," Ratten said.

"We've done emotional intelligence testing on all of our players and we've got a lot of introverts.

"Brendan is one of the few extroverts at our club, along with Mitch Robinson, so we do need some balance overall and I think Brendan brings that."

Carlton star Brendan Fevola has raised the stakes for tomorrow night's crucial MCG clash against Essendon, indicating it is payback time for the Blues after the Bombers publicly celebrated a narrow round 3 victory over them.

"We haven't forgotten about that," Fevola said.

"We look at that as a bit of motivation."

Essendon coach Matthew Knights commends Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer on handling the Blues' ruck at such a young age.

"You saw the immense talent but then you said it's a big ask for a young player to come in and play ruck in their first season or second season," Knights said of the Kreuzer, who turned 20 in May.

"But just watching him over the last month, just the maturity he plays with and the way he gets around the ground, he has been buffeted a fair bit also, but his resilience is amazing."

Midfielder Mark McVeigh is 'hugely disappointed' to miss the Carlton blockbuster after being suspended for striking Melbourne's Jared Rivers, says Essendon coach Matthew Knights.

"Mark is a very passionate young man; he's very tribal, and I know he loves big clashes against Collingwood and Carlton and teams like that," Knights said.

"He's a hugely disappointed young man at the moment and particularly because he hasn't played a lot this season with injury.

"He's missed a lot of football and he feels pretty low at the moment."

Close-checking Carlton youngster Aaron Joseph has made every post a winner since coming to the Blues from the Apple Isle.

Joseph's performance in amassing 19 touches opposed to St Kilda livewire Stephen Milne two weeks ago has earned him a nomination as the NAB AFL Rising Star.

"I played on Brent Harvey in the NAB Cup. He's probably been the hardest player to play on. One of my strengths is to get under a player's skin, and he pretty much bashed me up on the day. He showed me a few moves I can use on future opponents," Joseph said.

Carlton has defended its handling of Chris Judd's broken nose last Friday night, after being asked by the AFL to explain its graphic attempts to stem the bleeding, which saw Judd taken from the ground three times late in the cliffhanger game against St Kilda.

Blues' football boss Steven Icke confirmed last night that the AFL had yesterday sought a written explanation from club doctor Ben Barresi after a weekend of graphic footage of the treatment of Judd's injury that included shots of a bladder inflater being inserted into the captain's blood nose.

"You're dealing with all those emotions," said Icke. "Your captain's off the ground, he's bleeding, he wants to go back on, it's a close game and the stakes are high.

"We have full confidence in our medical team and I don't think at any stage did they feel it was necessary to take Chris down to the rooms for treatment. We've explained that to the AFL."

Carlton ruckman Robert Warnock is on track to make his debut for the Blues in the second half of the season after coming to terms with the foot injury that derailed the start of his 2009 campaign.

"It's not a common one. Most footballers get navicular problems, but mine was more related to the surgery," Warnock said of his injury.

"I didn't get a full range of motion back, which altered the mechanics of my foot, so everything was a bit tight which put strain on some different areas of the foot which weren't used to it.

"Both times it came on all-of-a-sudden. It wasn't like a gradual build-up of pain where you could back off a bit which is what most stress fractures are like.

"We're pretty confident we've got it sorted out now. I just have to take more time with it and build up the running intensity a bit more gradually."

Carlton holds on for gripping victory over Brisbane, with Brendan Fevola kicking an equal career-best eight goals.

Andrew Carrazzo is among several Blues in contention to bolster Carlton's midfield for the clash with Brisbane this weekend after being out with a fractured finger since round 6.

"His fitness levels are outstanding from training, running around half touching the ball with his other hand," Carlton coach Brett Ratten said.

"Now he can fully touch it, so he's right."

Daniel Kerr is on the sidelines for a match after an attempt to have his hit on Carlton's Marc Murphy characterised as a bump, rather than a strike, was tossed out by the AFL Tribunal last night.

Kerr told the tribunal by videolink that in knocking Murphy to the ground at the opening bounce of last Friday night's game, he was merely copying an earlier hit by Bret Thornton upon Matt Rosa.

"I proceeded to bump the closest Carlton player in the same fashion, and that happened to be Marc Murphy."

Mitch Robinson has escaped with a reprimand after successfully arguing to have his charge downgraded for rough conduct.

Brian Lake, Daniel Kerr and Mitch Robinson will contest charges at the tribunal tonight.

The Dogs have accepted a ban for key forward Scott Welsh but decided to get backman Brian Lake available for Friday night's game against Richmond.

Hawthorn captain Sam Mitchell has virtually a one-game penalty hanging over him again despite being allowed to escape with a reprimand from a striking charge.

Carlton opened a crucial early lead against West Coast and ran out winner on the back of a six-goal show from Brendan Fevola.

Carlton midfielder Bryce Gibbs has denied a niggling thumb injury is hampering his output.

"The thumb is going fine. There is not much you can do about it. I'm just trying to look after it as best I can," he said.

"There's just a bit of bruising. It's not too bad. I don't think about it when I'm playing or anything like that.

"I just strap it up. It feels a little bit sore after the game, but during the game it's fine.

"I'm getting there slowly. I played a couple of all right games and I played a couple of poor games.

"I really wanted to find that consistency this year and hopefully I can put a few better performances in the next couple of weeks."

Brett Ratten says Carlton's much-hyped improvement has stalled after the worst opening half of football of his coaching career against Adelaide.

"Sometimes you implement new strategies or put some things in place and I thought we just over-corrected the whole roll-down thing," Ratten said.

"You look at the forward 50m and no one is up there and you're just thinking, 'Well, we're never going to score'.

"Their backs just didn't track us and just sat back.

"We virtually had to run and handball from the back pocket to the forward pocket - good luck.

"I take full responsibility."

Carlton will be without versatile big man Jarrad Waite for the remainder of the 2009 season after exploratory surgery revealed the star Blue would require a full knee reconstruction.

"It's a big loss for us. He's one of those players who plays all ends of the ground and with his run and versatility. He's someone who has been our X-factor," Blues coach Brett Ratten said.

"We've gone to him a few times to produce a good performance and it's not great for him to be in this situation."

Carlton is still holding out hope Jarrad Waite will play again this year despite a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Jarrad Waite will see a specialist tomorrow to determine whether he needs a full knee reconstruction, which would end his season.

Carlton's Jarrad Waite will have scans to determine the severity of his knee injury he suffered during the match against Adelaide after landing awkwardly while flying for a spoil.

Carlton coach Brett Ratten says captain Chris Judd is verging on the best form of his career and is ready to spend more time as a forward.

"I think it was probably the best game I have seen him play, and probably not just from his ball-winning ability but to jump and catch the ball," Ratten said.

"From an all-round performance, he's tackling well and winning the ball.

"But now to see him catch the ball, maybe that scares the opposition a bit more."

Simon Wiggins is in line for a recall for Carlton's clash with Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

"He just had back soreness and he's had a hamstring so we just got a bit worried about it and withdrew him," Carlton coach Brett Ratten said.

"We've got a spot or two we're looking at, though it might stay unchanged.

"We're debating 'Do we go a bit taller, do we keep the run up?'"

A day after Terry Wallace was wrongly reported as sacked, Carlton coach Brett Ratten says the media needs to be more accountable.

"I feel pretty sorry for Terry and his family to get put through something like that when it hasn't even been put out by the club," he said. "I think it's very hard on an individual.

"It would be good to make sure the information is spot-on before we actually bring out the big-hitting news that could actually hurt people behind the scenes."

Carlton goalsneak Eddie Betts looks certain to exceed his modest pre-season expectations of exceeding his 2008 goal tally of 25 in 2009.

"The last few years I kicked 25 and not higher than 30, so my goal was to get over 30. So hopefully I can do that," Betts said.

"It's been a great start by the team, I just try to put in 100 per cent every week. If I can do that and do all my defensive actions, hopefully the rest will come like the goals.

"And if Fev drops a few marks for me, I'll get the crumbs."

Carlton is confident young gun Marc Murphy will be fit to play Collingwood amid fears the star midfielder had broken his thumb.

"He hurt his thumb on the weekend, but it's nothing that's going to stop him from playing this weekend," Blues football manager Steven Icke said.

"He reported it at recovery the next day. He's a bit sore and it's a little bruised, but he's fine."

Byron Schammer is facing a week on the sidelines for striking Blue Marc Murphy.

Carlton defender Jordan Russell thought he had pulled his side into a winning position against Fremantle, only for his kick on goal to be touched.

"It's been playing havoc in my mind. But as the coaches have told me, it's one incident out of hundreds in a match that you can look back on," Russell said.

"I kicked it into the man on the mark and it still went 50m so I was pretty shattered."

Young Fremantle tagger Garrick Ibbotson took a lot out of his clash with Carlton captain Chris Judd on Saturday night.

Ibbotson tallied 23 touches while opposed to the Carlton captain who notched 28 disposals and a goal.

"I wanted to try and get a bit of the ball myself," Ibbotson said.

"I had a focus of starting with Judd and playing on him but at the same time I wanted to be able to make sure that I could try and get some of the ball myself and not just be 100 per cent committed to working with him."

After his latest round of shoulder surgery Carlton's Andrew Walker says he'll be ready to play in eight weeks.

"It just wouldn't stay in, but the surgeon has told me that you'd basically need a tractor to pull the thing out now," Walker said.

"If I can go out with those words then I'm going to be as confident as ever.

"I'm only about two weeks off training again which is great. I'd like to be back playing in two or three weeks, but I know the doctors won't let me do that.

"Worst-case scenario it's probably eight weeks which is a lot sooner than was first thought."

The AFL has adopted a suggestion from Brendan Fevola to "break in" the new footballs used in matches.

Fevola proposed on television shows that the six new match-day balls be used in the pre-match warm-up to take the hardness off them before the first bounce.

"Believe it or not I think Fev might be right for once," Sherrin's product manager Brad Rendell told SEN Radio.

"Its like any new leather product, such as a new pair of football boots. Fev wouldn't wear them straight out of the box and onto the ground in a game.

"A football is very similar. Once its kicked in a bit it softens up, it stretches and then comes to its perfect shape."

Hawthorn's Simon Taylor successfully challenges his two-match suspension at the AFL Tribunal and is cleared of rough conduct against Carlton's Setanta O'hAilpin.

John Anthony and Simon Taylor face time on the sidelines for on-field indisgretions.

Anthony was offered a week for headbutting Kangaroo Scott Thompson in the groin while Taylor has been handed a two-match ban for rough conduct against Carlton's Setanta O'hAilpin.

Carlton full forward Brendan Fevola said his "heart sank" when he missed the potential match-winning goal against Hawthorn at the MCG.

"I don't think I've ever been close to tears after a game, but that was close," Fevola said after desperately wanting to win the game in honor of the late Richard Pratt.

"It pulled at the heartstrings and I was pretty heartbroken.

"I went back in my normal routine. I never have a shot that I don't think I'll get. I glanced at the clock and it was past 31 minutes, so I knew this probably would be the last chance of victory. I was only 20 metres out on a slight angle and I thought it had gone through, but it drifted a lot and just nicked the post.

"I still can't believe I missed it, and my heart sank."

Carlton will dedicate the rest of this season to former president Richard Pratt following his death last night.

Setanta O'hAilpin is finally back in the AFL after his infamous pre-season brain explosion that resulted in a fiery clash with teammate Cameron Cloke.

Richard Pratt has issued an instruction from his deathbed: Kernahan must continue to serve as Carlton president.

"I have a sense of duty to the club and to the Pratt family, and I love the Carlton Football Club as Dick has loved it," Kernahan said.

"I'm not saying I see it as a right or anything like that, and when it's time for me to move on I will. There are a lot of good people who could do the job, but I would be proud to continue his legacy. I suppose that legacy is one of hope and unity and self belief. I want to carry on what he started."

Sydney's Brett Kirk says Carlton's midfield deserves to be compared to the famed West Coast engine room of Cousins, Judd, Kerr and Cox.

Carlton captain Chris Judd is unsure if his side's younger players got carried away with their early-season form after an upset loss to the Bombers.

Carlton says Bryce Gibbs has been cleared of a broken thumb after the game againt Essendon.

Brendan Fevola has admitted his heel injury played its part in his wasteful kicking for goal in Saturday night's narrow loss to Essendon.

Cartlton rushes Nick Stevens back from suspension for their clash with Essendon.

Irishman Setanta O'hAilpin is back in the conversation for inclusion in the Blues side for this weekend.

Carlton coach Brett Ratten says Setanta O'hAilpin is a chance to play against Essendon, two months after a club suspension.

Two losses to Essendon in 2008 has Carlton wanting to right the ledger, says Brett Ratten.

Video replays would have been useless for the controversial Jonathan Brown goal that hit the post, the AFL said yesterday.

Carlton players were adamant the ball ricocheted off the post on Saturday, despite being called a goal.

But the AFL's umpiring department refused to label it an error and a long AFL review yesterday failed to provide an answer.

Irishman Setanta O'hAilpin may return to shore up an injury-weakened backline against Essendon, the club says.

The injury curse continued today for Carlton's Andrew Walker with the livewire midfielder to miss most of this season after shoulder surgery.

Carlton utility Andrew Walker has re-injured his troublesome right shoulder in a VFL practice match.

A quirk of the VFL fixture will give suspended Carlton star Nick Stevens crucial match practice before his Round 3 AFL return.

There will be some lively discussions around the Carlton selection table this week with Brett Ratten loathe to change a winning combination despite the availability of first-round absentees Shaun Grigg and Andrew Walker.

"That might be the debate to maybe have to tell Grigg and Walker that they're not in. That's the conundrum," Ratten said.

Carlton coach Brett Ratten has laughed off reports that an ailing skipper Chris Judd is in doubt for this week's clash against the Brisbane Lions.

A flu-ridden Judd missed a training session earlier this week, but Ratten maintained there was no doubt about his availability.

"I heard on the news today he was out for the year and he has got bronchitis or pneumonia or something like that, but he was actually down in the weights room.

"He will be fine. He might take it easy today but he'll go for a run tomorrow. He will play for sure."

Chris Judd expects former teammate Ben Cousins will feel some relief, despite a hamstring injury stalling his comeback.

Carlton's mammoth victory over Richmond sent a warning to the football world, defender Bret Thornton says.

Midfielder Jordan Russell says Carlton is now focusing on the next round after their round 1 demolition of Richmond.

Carlton captain Chris Judd believes Ben Cousins will be happy his first game is out of the way, even though he injured himself.

Jeff Garlett is a young man who has been "bumped here, there and everywhere" throughout his short life.

A shy teenager from Perth who will make his AFL debut with Carlton tonight at a packed, pulsating MCG.

A 70kg rookie who made such a big impression, he was elevated to the senior list for the most eagerly awaited Round 1 fixture in memory.

Richmond coach Terry Wallace expects Ben Cousins to 'have a real crack' against Carlton on Thursday night.

Jeff Garlett, promoted to Carlton's senior list as cover for Robbie Warnock, may play in round one.

The opening match of the footy season, between traditional rivals Richmond and Carlton, has been officially declared a sell-out.

Carlton yesterday dispelled concerns Brendan Fevola would play at less than full strength against Richmond in their 2009 season opener.

Brett Ratten has warned his players not to be blinded by the focus on Chris Judd and Ben Cousins ahead of Thursday's season-opening match.

Carlton will almost certainly include Heath Scotland and Andrew Walker in its Round 1 side to face Richmond after both cruised through a VFL intraclub match yesterday.

Carlton captain Chris Judd can't wait to line up against former teammate and Richmond recruit Ben Cousins on Thursday night.