Commenting on the Match Review Panel's decision to suspend Campbell Brown for two matches - for his elbow off the ball on Western Bulldog Callan Ward - Carey said the Gold Coast defender was very fortunate.

''I almost always stick by the players in situations like this, and say it was a spur-of-the-moment thing, but I think Campbell was very lucky to only get two weeks for throwing his elbow back like that,'' Carey said. ''I've seen guys get two or three weeks for a lot less than that.

''I think he's very lucky not to be out for four or five weeks. It was uncalled for. We don't see that in today's footy.''

The dual premiership captain said while he was excited by Essendon's scintillating early-season form, culminating in their big win over St Kilda on Sunday, he was still not convinced the Bombers would keep up their momentum all season.

''I don't think the Bombers will make the eight,'' Carey said. ''And I'll probably cop a bit of flak for that.

''They're a young side, they're doing terrifically well, they're as fit as anyone in the comp and they've got some good young talent - I really like Michael Hurley at centre half-forward.

''But it's a long season and they are very young. I just think it'll be a long year and they're a step off making the finals. Right now, a lot of people will be saying: you've got no idea. But I'm going to stick by that call.''

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