Carlton’s medical staff under fire as Charlie Curnow aggravates existing ankle injury in horror loss to Hawthorn

Carltons face a nervous wait to learn the full toll of its 74-point hiding from Hawthorn after Charlie Curnow was one of several stars injured in the humiliating defeat.

The Blues’ finals hopes were dealt a savage blow in the 16.16 (112) to 5.8 (38) loss on Sunday, which sent them tumbling out of the top eight with two rounds left.

Michael Voss’s side should start favourites against West Coast (away) and St Kilda as they fight to keep their season alive.

But they are sweating on further assessment of injuries sustained against the Hawks by Curnow (ankle), Adam Saad (hamstring), Jack Martin (hamstring), Lachie Fogarty (collarbone) and Jordan Boyd (adductor).

“It’s not ideal but at the same time we’ll find out a bit about us in the next couple of weeks,” Voss said.

“It’s a bit of a blow how the day panned out but there’s an opportunity that’s sitting right in front of us and you don’t wish those away.

“We’re going to see it out as strong as we can and we’ve got to put some excitement around that.”

Curnow had been nursing an ankle complaint in recent weeks and was in doubt to face Hawthorn.

The two-time Coleman Medal winner crumbled to the turf early in the second half and had to be helped from the field.

“He was fine to go. He got through parts of training a couple of days ago, got running again yesterday,” Voss said.

“Unfortunately it’s just a bit of a niggle that players get at this stage of the year and it’s one of those that we’re just going to have to manage.

“We’ll just take 24 hours and make sure that we get the right assessment.”

Carlton’s heaviest defeat in three seasons under Voss was also their fifth in the past six weeks in a horror run.

The Blues sat second after round 19 but must now win their two remaining games and hope other results fall their way in order to reach the finals.

“We’re not going to lie down,” Voss said.

“We’re coming forward and we’re going to finish off the season strong.

“There will be something in this response.

“It’s not going to get given to us, clearly. We’ve got to earn the right.”

Elsewhere on Sunday, Adelaide upset the Western Bulldogs by 39 points, while St Kilda recorded a comfortable 48-point win over Richmond at Docklands Stadium.