Carlton coach Brett Ratten said Adelaide forward Brad Moran and his own players' clanger count were key factors in the Blues losing at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

The Crows forward line appeared in trouble when Jason Porplyzia was knocked out in the second quarter but Moran emerged as a match winner.

He led well, marked strongly and kicked four goals; including three majors in the decisive third term.

Ratten said the 199-centimetre player proved the difference between the two sides.

"I thought Moran really changed the game for them being that target up forward. I thought he presented well," Ratten said.

"To his credit he made the most of his opportunities. He did change the momentum of the game for Adelaide."

Carlton was also its own worst enemy, notching up an embarrassing 72 ineffective kicks. Wet weather had made the AAMI Stadium turf 'shifty underfoot' however Ratten didn't use this as an excuse. He said the players won enough of the ball to win but 'burnt' it too many times.

"To be as close as were, it's not a bad effort considering (their clanger count). But you can't win games of AFL footy kicking the football like we did today," he said.

"I think we over-finessed the footy. I thought we turned the ball over when we were in control and they sweated on our mistakes."

"It's probably the most frustrated I've been all season on performance. I thought we had enough of the ball to hurt Adelaide and we gave it back and paid the price."

Meanwhile Ratten is hopeful first-year player Steven Browne won't be penalized for his hit on Porplyzia.

The clash fired up the 40,730 spectators and the Crows but Ratten said he didn't think there was much in it.

"The players were trying to pick up players and they virtually collided and the player went down," he said.

"I think it was accidental contact and players were just trying to find players so I didn't think there was much in it but hopefully the boy is alright."