Star Carlton forward Jarrad Waite has apologised to teammates for the costly suspension which contributed to their surprise nine-point AFL loss to St Kilda.

Waite was sidelined at Etihad Stadium with a one-match ban for head-butting and forced to watch as the Blues fell short by nine points after a rousing final quarter.

His absence meant Carlton lacked a viable forward target for much of the game, with Lachie Henderson finally making an impact and booting three last-quarter goals.

The 30-year-old reportedly copped a blast from coach Mick Malthouse in the rooms after the game.

Joint vice-captain Kade Simpson said on Tuesday that the club’s leadership group, of which Waite is a member, had addressed the issue directly with him.

“We had a chat with Jarrad,” Simpson said.

“He knows he’s done the wrong thing and let the team down.

“When he comes back this week, he’s got a chance to make up for it, and I know he’s really wanting to do that.

“He addressed the group and apologised and said it won’t happen again.

“We’ve got to take Jarrad at his word, and hopefully this week he can come out and bounce back and repay the boys.”

Simpson said he didn’t know about the Malthouse spray.

“I honestly couldn’t tell you. I didn’t hear it or didn’t see it, so I’m not sure,” he said.

The Blues had an uphill battle to contain St Kilda after losing Chris Yarran and David Ellard in the first quarter to injury, while Michael Jamison bravely played on with a shoulder problem.

Skipper Marc Murphy also carried a leg injury.

Simpson said his team was impacted by the casualties and the resulting lack of rotations, but added that was not an excuse for the loss.

“It does take its toll, especially with rotations being a big part of the game these days,” he said.

“Being two guys down pretty early and then to run the game out is something we’ll probably take into next week and hopefully continue that last quarter form.”

The Blues will host Port Adelaide on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.