The Bombers continued a strong recent record over the Blues with a 20-point win in the clash between the two rivals.
Ratten admitted he struggled to find winners for his team but the mention of first-gamer Lucas, who had broken into the side after an impressive pre-season, did bring cause for optimism.
“I thought [he] did a fantastic job first-up,” Ratten said after the match.
“He was a real plus for us".
After starting on the interchange bench, Lucas showed more than enough in his 16-possession debut to suggest the Blues have a real player in the making.
He admitted he was a little jittery on Saturday as he watched the clock before awaiting his date with destiny.
Living with the family of Port Adelaide youngster Jackson Trengove it can be hard to escape footy, so he killed some time by watching the first quarter of the Power v Lions clash.
The nerves continued trough to his arrival on the MCG turf, but subsided as the match wore on.
“I’ve never played in front of a crowd that big, but once you get your surroundings you begin to really enjoy it,” he said.
“Obviously we didn’t come away with a win, but it was a good opportunity and hopefully I can build from here.
“I was a bit nervous with my first few touches, [they] were a bit shaky but I think I improved a little bit as the game went on.
“It’s just good to get the first one out of the way, so we’ll see what I can do for the rest of the season now.”
Blues fans will hope Lucas can be every bit as good as the man he is replacing in the no.24 jumper.
Nick Stevens retired late last season although he did drop by Visy Park on Friday morning to check on the man who’d be taking on his legacy.
“He came in to give the jumper presentation which was really good,” Lucas said.
“He had a little bit of a spiel about his time at the club and what the Carlton jumper means, so that was great to get it from the player who wore it before me.
“He just said ‘enjoy your career, it doesn’t go for long and don’t waste any opportunities and work hard’, so I think I’ll definitely take that advice.”
