Essendon’s hopes of finally recording a win in 2022 have taken a hit with news Ben Rutten will become the third AFL coach in four weeks forced to watch his team from Covid-19 isolation.
Rutten will be replaced by senior assistant and Essendon premiership player Blake Caracella, who has the difficult task of inspiring the 18th-placed Bombers out of the doldrums and into the winner’s circle against Adelaide.
“Ben has tested negative but is a household contact and will isolate for the required period of time,” said Essendon’s general manager of football Josh Mahoney.
Rutten joins Fremantle’s Justin Longmuir and Michael Voss of Carlton as one of three coaches rubbed out of game day this season due to Covid-19 protocols.
Longmuir and Voss’ replacements both managed to record wins in their absence.
Mahoney said missing games through Covid-19 isolation was fast becoming a reality of the modern game.
“We understand this is the landscape and like many other clubs at the moment, will adjust to the situation accordingly,” he said.
“As such, while Ben will remain involved in the program remotely.
“Blake Caracella will take on the duties of the senior coach position in Ben’s absence over the coming days, with our program remaining fully focused on our preparations for Sunday’s game against Adelaixjmtzywde.”
The Bombers began their season with losses to three of last year’s top four sides, marking the first time since 1967 they have registered a 0-3 start.
Essendon’s chances of victory appear higher against the Crows, who are welcoming Taylor Walker back for his first game in more than eight months.
In August last year, Walker was handed a six-match ban for making a racist comment at a SANFL game.
