Essendon onballer Sam Lonergan faces AFL match review panel scrutiny after Carlton star Andrew Carrazzo suffered a serious shoulder injury in Saturday’s boilover at the MCG.
Carrazzo’s injury early in the first term was a major blow for the Blues, who were well off their best in suffering an upset 30-point loss.
The 15.19 (109) to 11.13 (79) result was the Blues’ first loss of the season and left Essendon unbeaten after four rounds, their best start since the 2000 premiership.
Carrazzo was paid a free kick after Lonergan’s tackle drove him into the turf, but he was unable to take the kick and went straight to hospital.
The Blues confirmed he suffered a right shoulder blade fracture and will have surgery on Monday, putting him out of action for six to eight weeks.
Carrazzo was best afield in last weekend’s outstanding 10-goal win over Collingwood.
Carlton defender Jeremy Laidler also hurt his knee in the first term and Chris Yarran suffered a toe injury.
But Ratten said the injuries were not an excuse, saying his team had not brought sufficient intensity this week.
“They set the scene early, the drive tackle (on) Carrazzo, and they tried to put their physicality on the game,” Ratten said.
“Sometimes when teams go to battle, they test the water very early and sometimes if you don’t feel the pressure you thought you were going to feel, you start to build momentum.
“I would say Essendon would have thought ‘ooh, let’s be ready for this’ and sometimes that little arm wrestle (becomes) ‘ooh, this is not as hard as what I thought’ and the confidence builds and grows.”
Essendon were $8 outsiders for this match and the upset win is a massive confidence boost ahead of Wednesday’s Anzac Day clash against Collingwood.
“You have to be so proud of your players and I don’t think anyone in Australia gave us a chance of winning today,” said Essendon coach James Hird.
The Bombers also suffered another soft-tissue injury, losing key forward Michael Hurley for Anzac Day with a hamstring twinge.
Essendon captain Jobe Watson was best afield and fellow midfielder Brent Stanton also starred, while Stewart Crameri kicked 5.6.
Ratten praised Jarrad Waite, who took 13 marks, but the key forward let himself down with some bad misses when kicking for goal, while onballers Marc Murphy and Kade Simpson stood out.
Down by 28 points at halftime, Carlton pushed Essendon early in the third term, but missed too many chances and the Bombers blew the margin out to 47 points at the last change.
It is a major reality check for the Blues, who are tipped to reach the top four this season.
“Footy’s a great leveller, isn’t it?,” Ratten said.
“We just weren’t as hungry at the ball carrier or as aggressive at the ball carrier as we have been in previous weeks.”
