Carlton coach Michael Voss has defended the decision to start captain Patrick Cripps on the bench in the second quarter despite Adelaide running riot in the opening seven minutes, kicking five goals.
In a surprise move, Cripps was forced to watch idly as the Crows turned a seven-point quarter-time deficit into a four-goal lead early in the second term, which ultimately proved to be the difference in the result.
"The way forward is to share the load. We don't ask any player to play 100 per cent game time," Voss said.
"I can't believe those sorts of things are still questioned. There's a midfield group that gets the job done.
"The skipper started great and had a very good night, which was fantastic to see. There were some players that returned to form tonight, some of our very important players returned to form tonight. That's really important.
"But we've also got to be better as a team that just doesn't have him in there for 100 per cent of the time."
It wasn't the only eyebrow-raising call made by Voss, who opted to leave out veteran midfielder George Hewett for the Thursday night clash.
The Blues relied on a more dynamic-looking midfield, using Cripps along with Adam Cerra, Jagga Smith, Zac Williams and Sam Walsh.
Carlton won the clearance count (45-40), but Voss acknowledged that Hewett's omission doesn't necessarily make the midfield group better.
"It's a bit hard to draw that conclusion for now," Voss said.
"What we were probably able to do was just get a few more players through there. Again, it's sharing the load a fair bit more. We'll continue to see what that looks like. If we're allowed to be able to do that, we'll continue in that direction.
"George has got a role to play for us.
"He's a special human being. They're never nice moments for coaches to have, those conversations. He's a much-loved player. We always take the individual into account, but we also keep the team first and what's in the best interests of the team.
"We got a shift today. We'll keep exploring that. But that doesn't mean he doesn't turn up in the next couple of weeks for us."
Voss also explained why veteran rebounder Adam Saad isn't getting a look at the senior side.
"I don't think he's been playing as well as he liked to," Voss said
"I think he'd even say that, if you asked him. We're probably looking for a little bit more. Unfortunately, this week, he won't play, cause Gather Round means all the other competitions don't play.
"But he's working away at his game. He understands where he's at. But right now, there are a couple of other people who have earned their spots ahead of him.
"So, I'm sure he'll embrace that challenge, like George (Hewett) will, like what Blake Acres will, and whoever else finds themselves in that position."
The Blues slump to 1-4 with a mouth-watering contest against arch-rivals Collingwood ahead.
Carlton is hopeful that key defenders Jacob Weitering (concussion) and Harry Dean (concussion) will be available to take on the Pies.
