Blues hit by Warnock suspension

CARLTON'S depleted key-position stocks have been compounded by a suspension to ruckman Robbie Warnock.

Robbie Warnock

CARLTON'S depleted key-position stocks have been compounded by a suspension to Robbie Warnock ahead of its season-defining clash with North Melbourne this Friday night.

The ruckman was tonight handed a one-match ban by the VFL tribunal after being booked for rough conduct but must effectively serve two weeks due to the Northern Blues' bye this week.

Warnock, who floored a Frankston opponent on the cusp of quarter-time, is ineligible until the Blues' Round 18 clash with Richmond, joining injured ruckman Shaun Hampson (knee) on the sidelines.

The blow means No. 1 pick Matthew Kreuzer will have to carry Carlton's ruck load against the Roos and Western Bulldogs.

Kreuzer, who has battled knee soreness this year and missed the Round 10 loss to Port Adelaide, could be aided by young defender Matthew Watson due to the lack of natural fit ruckmen on the Blues' list.

Recruit Sam Rowe is being treated for testicular cancer while man mountain Levi Casboult, who is yet to be sighted at AFL level, only returned from a long-term knee injury in the VFL on Sunday.

Carlton coach Brett Ratten said at halftime in the win against Collingwood that Watson would help out in the ruck when Kreuzer needed a break after Hampson was substituted out of the match.

The Blues today ruled out swingman Jarrad Waite for at least another week while key defender Lachie Henderson (groin) is still two weeks away.

Warnock's act is believed to have angered Carlton's coaching staff with the Fremantle recruit considered an automatic inclusion to replace Hampson before his brain fade.

Essendon ruckman Tom Bellchambers is free to play this week after escaping the VFL tribunal with a reprimand after being charged with tripping on the video review of Bendigo Gold's win against North Ballarat.