Marc Murphy's pursuit of 300 career games has been dealt a major blow after the Carlton veteran suffered a calf injury in his side's win over the Adelaide Crows.
The Blues eased the pressure on coach David Teague, using a scintillating second quarter to run out 12. 11. (83) to 10. 13. (73) winners at Marvel Stadium, snapping a three-match losing streak.
Playing in his first match since Round 12, Murphy managed just two possessions before pulling up with what was later determined to be a calf injury.
The 33-year-old was substituted off in the opening quarter, with Nic Newman brought on as his replacement.
Stuck on 296 career games, Murphy must play in four of Carlton's last eight games to become the sixth player in Blues history to reach the 300-game mark.
Following Carlton's 10-point win, coach David Teague discussed the importance of getting Murphy to the magical milestone.
"They're thinking it's on the minor side," Teague said.
"It is a balancing act. We want to reward loyalty, and that's something Marc's done for a long time, but we also want to reward integrity of selection."
Murphy's injury was the one sour note in what was a much-needed win for a struggling Blues side that had fallen to 14th on the ladder.
The win was set up by an eight-goal second quarter which saw the Blues turn an 18-point deficit into a 34-point lead before the Crows clawed back in the second half.
Young gun Sam Walsh continued his excellent season with a game-high 38 disposals, while big-money recruit Zac Williams enjoyed his best game in Carlton colours with 26 disposals and a goal.
Carlton was set to travel to WA to face Fremantle in Round 16, but will now wait to see where the fixture is played, given the WA government's COVID-19 restrictions.
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