The injury sustained by Orazio Fantasia during last Thursday’s victory over Port Adelaide will keep him out of action for Carlton’s highly anticipated match against his former team, Essendon, on Sunday at the MCG.
Fantasia’s shoulder sprain, specifically in the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, forced him to exit the game against Port Adelaide prematurely. Despite efforts to recover in time for the upcoming clash, he was unable to participate fully in the team’s main training session on Thursday, leading to his omission from the lineup.
This absence adds a layer of intrigue to the already significant showdown between the two rival clubs, marking their most significant encounter since the 2011 elimination final. With Fantasia now donning the navy blue of Carlton against his former teammates, the anticipation surrounding the match reaches new heights.
Certainly, the upcoming match between Carlton and Essendon adds another layer of intrigue with the first-ever meeting between twin brothers Ben and Harry McKay, affectionately dubbed the ‘McKay-bowl.’
This unique dynamic presents a tactical challenge for Carlton, prompting them to explore different lineup options. Small forwards Corey Durdin, Jesse Motlop, and Lachie Fogarty are all in contention, with Fogarty likely to be sidelined for another week due to a wrist sprain.
Motlop, who recently recovered from a toe injury, could inject some energy into the forward line after returning through the VFL. However, it’s Durdin who boasts the most experience with nine matches under his belt in 2024.
Coach Michael Voss has several options at his disposal, keeping Essendon coach Brad Scott guessing about the final lineup for this highly anticipated clash between two potential finalists.
