Carlton coach Brett Ratten has apologised to supporters after the club cancelled today’s planned intra-club match.

“This was certainly a tough decision to make and we apologise to our supporters, particularly of the late notice, but it is important that we take into account the conditions and the position we are in with our training as we prepare for the 2010 season. While we are looking at our first NAB Cup match in two weeks time, the focus is always on the start of the season and ensuring we have the best preparation possible,” Ratten said today at Visy Park.

Not only was the weather an issue but a number of players have been unwell with a virus during the week and a lack of numbers for today’s game was also a consideration in the decision to cancel the game.

“We know we will have to play in the wet during the year so it is not about playing a practice match in the rain and wet conditions. We planned to play a 16 per side match of 15 minute quarters and unfortunately with some players unavailable due to illness we would have not had an interchange bench. This would have resulted in only 13 or 14 players a side in the second half and a huge work load for the players and that is not suitable for our preparations at this time. It would not have been the spectacle that our supporters were looking for either,” Ratten added.

As a result of the cancellation of today’s game next week’s scheduled practice match will now be open to supporters (it was originally scheduled as a closed session) and will start at a later time to enable as many people as possible to attend.

“Next week will have a full-scale practice match, 22 per side, with four 20 minute quarters plus time on, a full dress rehersal. This will be open to the public and we are now starting the game at 4:00pm to provide the opportunity for as many people as possible to attend,” Ratten said.

Carlton Intra-club match
Friday February 12th
Visy Park
Match to commence at 4:00pm