Reigning two-time Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow has limped from the MCG with heavy assistance from medical staff after falling awkwardly in a one-on-one scrap during the third quarter of Carlton's clash with Hawthorn.
The superstar forward injured his left ankle in the contest with Hawk Jack Scrimshaw, grabbing at his lower leg in substantial pain before being helped to his feet and aided off the ground.
Live commentary already suggests this injury could be very problematic, with fears of a season-ending stint on the sidelines which could in-turn be season-ending for Carlton.
Curnow was escorted straight down the race to be assessed further, and will take no further part in the game.
The All-Australian went into the game with concerns over his ankle, potentially raising speculation over Carlton's injury management.
The incident adds to the injury crisis going on at Carlton, both during the season generally and in this match specifically, with fellow forwards Jack Martin and Lachie Fogarty being sidelined with hamstring and collarbone concerns respectively, and defender Mitch McGovern going down with a shoulder concern before returning to the field.
Rebound defender Adam Saad has also been ruled out of the match with a hamstring injury, adding salt to the wounds of Carlton and leaving them with just one rotation for the remainder of the match.
The concerns are already taking their toll on Carlton, who appear out on their feet against the hard-running Hawks.
A likely loss now could see Carlton fall out of the eight by the end of the season, sitting tied for points with Hawthorn and fielding an undermanned lineup for the remaining weeks.
Adam Cerra, Tom De Koning, Matthew Cottrell and Caleb Marchbank have all been sidelined in recent weeks, depleting coach Michael Voss' options dramatically for next week's Perth meeting with West Coast.
A late-season collapse out of finals contention would be yet another shocking development in a season rife with surprise, but Carlton's ongoing injury crisis may be their downfall.
The club will provide an update on all sidelined players over the next 24 hours.