Dyson Heppell says Carlton’s ability to maximise their use of an extra man behind the ball was a key factor in the final result.

The Bombers went down by 15 points in a match played in wet conditions at the MCG.

The Dons made the early running, leading by two goals in the first quarter, but it was Carlton generating the most forays forward.

By the final siren, the Blues held a 60-37 advantage in the inside 50 count.

“They really dictated to us throughout the game,” Heppell said.

“Their ability to get a spare man back – they were quite good at – and we didn’t think our way through the game to really man up that seventh [opponent].

“It really hurt us in the end.

“This one will hurt for a bit, but ... we’ll move on quickly.”

Rain fell consistently throughout the match with the final tackle count reading 110-99 Carlton’s way.

“You’ve got to embrace these conditions,” Heppell said.

“Whether you’re top of the ladder or bottom of the ladder, when there are conditions like that it’s whoever really embraces it and thrives off the wet weather.

“It was such a slippery ball out there today that whoever stayed in the contest for the longest was going to be the team that got over the line. 

“Unfortunately it wasn’t us.”

The Bombers slip to seventh on the ladder with their record now standing at two wins and one loss ahead of a trip to Adelaide to take on the Crows on Saturday night.

“Nothing changes for us – we’re training to improve," Heppell said.

“We’ll review the game and have a quick look at it but come Tuesday, we’re moving on.”