EMBARRASSED Carlton forward Alex Fasolo is set to miss the start of the AFL season after he fractured an arm while wrestling with mates at a late-night Australia Day celebration.
Having consumed alcohol at a house party in Richmond, the 26-year-old tripped on the gutter at the front of the property just after midnight and fractured his left arm when he attempted to break his fall.
The former Collingwood forward underwent surgery at the Epworth Hospital on Sunday and is expected to miss six-to-eight weeks while he recovers.
“I’m incredibly embarrassed by what has happened,” Fasolo said via a statement released on Monday.
“I know the next few months ahead are all about doing everything I can to regain the respect of my teammates, coaches … and all those involved with the club.
“I certainly regret the behaviour that led to this injury, particularly since the club has been nothing but supportive of me since I came across last year.
“I’m now fully focused on my recovery and hope to be out on the track as soon as possible.”
Carlton opens the 2019 premiership season against Richmond on Thursday, March 21 at the MCG.
Fasolo signed with the Blues as a free agent in October after 101 games with the Magpies, with only one of those appearances coming last year as others were preferred by Nathan Buckley.
Carlton is yet to decide if Fasolo will face sanctions, whether it be a fine or a suspension or both, over the mishap.
“It’s certainly not what we stand for … we’ve had some pretty strong conversations on (Monday) morning led by (co-captains) Paddy Cripps and Sam Docherty,” Blues football chief Brad Lloyd said.
“It’s disappointing that Alex will miss that part of the season, but we look at it as a growth opportunity and some education for our players.”
Fasolo’s incident continues a disastrous pre-season campaign for the Blues that has included injuries to Sam Docherty (ACL), Matthew Kreuzer (knee), Mitch McGovern (back fracture), Liam Jones (broken hand) and Jarrod Pickett (patella rupture).
