Carlton has been hit with a new long-term injury, with ruckman Marc Pittonet set to miss between 2-3 months with the dreaded PCL injury.
Pittonet is not the first and won't be the last ruck to suffer a similar fate after clashing with Fremantle's big man, Sean Darcy.
Carlton's Head of Football, Brad Lloyd has credited Pittonet for the positivity and energy the ruck brings to the club and credits the results seen early in 2022 due to a big pre-season.
The injury to Pittonet is unfortunate for Carlton as they look to keep their top eight spot.
“The injury is obviously a significant one and will sideline Marc for an extended period of time, which is unfortunate given the amount of work he put in throughout the entire summer and we were really starting to see the results of during the early parts of the season,” Lloyd told carltonfc.com.au.
“While Marc won’t be able to have an impact on-field for the coming months, we have no doubt the energy and positivity he brings to our football club every day he walks through the door will continue.
“For now it’s about supporting Marc through his recovery, as he approaches his rehab with a focus to be available later in the season.”
Pittonet played every game so far in 2022, averaging 10.6 disposals, 19 hit outs, 44.2% hit outs to advantage, 3.6 clearances, and 4.6 score involvements.
Despite the bad news, there was a glimmer of hope provided to the Princes Park club ahead of their clash with North Melbourne on Saturday night.
Full-Forward Harry McKay will undergo a test on his knee, Jack Silvagni will need to get through training to be available, and Ed Curnow has been sidelined for an indefinite period after straining his calf at training.
They look set to welcome back improved midfielder Matthew Kennedy back into the fold, as he was ruled out last week due to soreness.
Kennedy has averaged 25.8 disposals, 4.6 clearances, and 6.2 score involvements in the Blues' new and improved midfield.
