Carlton defender Chris Yarran faces certain AFL suspension after his punch left Essendon opponent Paul Chapman with stitches above his right eye.
The running battle between the pair in the opening term is the main talking point out of Essendon’s 21-point win on Saturday at the MCG.
Essendon withstood a late Carlton fightback to win 16.9 (105) to 11.18 (84).
>>>Relive all the action in our live blog.
As Yarran and Chapman scuffled early in the opening term, a left jab from the Blues backman landed cleanly.
The veteran forward left the field shortly after with blood streaming down his face.
Chapman needed a concussion test and was back on the field in the second term.
There were no other reports, but Monday’s match review panel will ban Yarran.
“It was just one of those things on the field – a bit of push and and shove and (it) got a little bit angry,” Chapman told Triple M.
“I don’t know how (he) got me or whether he threw one, but I just felt one on the head.”
Yarran is Aboriginal and Chapman was clearly angry when asked what had triggered the scuffle.
“I’ve heard a little rumour that I’ve been saying things about people’s race or colour or whatever,” Chapman said.
“That’s ludicrous – I wouldn’t mind knowing who’s brought that out and saying that stuff, because that’s just not right and not the sort of person I am.
“It’s a little bit disappointing … what happened, happened.”
Yarran is not known as a hothead, and Blues coach Mick Malthouse said the defender was at a loss to explain why he punched Chapman.
“Look, it’s quite uncharacteristic – he just said things happen,” Malthouse said.
“He said he didn’t know why, how and that’s the way it is.
“He said, ‘I can’t believe I would have even …’.
“It certainly wasn’t preconceived and at the end of it, he was really still staggered how things happened.”
Essendon captain Jobe Watson was clearly best afield, with 36 disposals as the Bombers held on for their second win.
After trailing by 41 points early in the last term, the Blues rallied to reduce the margin to 14 with three minutes left.
But 100-gamer Ben Howlett kicked his third goal to seal the win.
Adam Cooney injured his hamstring in the last term and Essendon coach James Hird said the veteran utility would probably miss three weeks.
While the Blues are now 0-3, it was a much better performance.
Apart from having four more scoring shots in a scrappy game, they won the clearances by a whopping 53-29.
But Essendon dominated uncontested possessions 261-178.
Macca
Guest
Can not possibly agree that the blues should look at trading GIbbs & Kreuzer - with all Kreuzers injuries you won't get much for him and Gibbs has just turned 26 and possibily has 5-6 years left and the blues will need him and Murphy to guide the young midifelders they have coming through as Judd and Carrazzo move on. Also if we got rid of Gibbs you only then need to use the draft pick on another mid - while if we keep him you have have midifeld of Murphy, Gibbs, Thomas, Docherty & Cripps plus the likes of Menzel, Graham, Bell, Whiley & Buckley pushing up to build around and they can focus on getting a key forward.
Jake
Guest
I agree if Carlton had of kicked straight they may have finished a little closer but had Essendon kicked straighter and not butchered the ball so often they could have won by 80 points. I think Carlton had a real crack but I think essendons performance was a long way from their best.
Andrew
Guest
Four quarter efforts are what's required and a healthier list. If Blues played 4 quarters vs Richmond and Essendon then they would be 2-1 and not 0-3. Agree on the Gibbs and Kreuzer trade for picks but it wont happen.
MarkG
Guest
I follow Essendon and went to the game. If Carlton had have kicked straight, they would have gone very close, Blues have one of the best midfields in the competition. I think they are back and will trouble sides this season and not finish too far out of the eight.
Cody Winnell
Roar Guru
If I were Carlton I'd trade Gibbs and aggressively look to stockpile draft picks and more talented youngsters. The current list is not a contender and if you're not a contender, you're treading water. Carlton fans don't want to see Gibbs traded, and I get that, but I reckon they'd receive more by trading him than they ever would by keeping him. You'd also seriously look at trading Kreuzer. Finally, I'd let Malthouse know: "Build your side, no restrictions, no pressure re short-term success... be bold". I must put on the record -- I'm a Bombers fan, so thoroughly enjoying the Blues' struggles. ;) But as a footy fan, watching Carlton's next few steps will be very, very interesting.