Judd injury won’t leave Blues hamstrung

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CARLTON will have to resurrect its finals hopes without superstar Chris Judd after hurting his hamstring in the Blues' first win of the season over the Western Bulldogs last night.

Judd's nightmare season continued when the dual Brownlow Medallist grabbed his right hamstring and pulled up lame only six minutes into his comeback from an Achilles injury.

UNITED BLUES LIMP TO FIRST WIN

Judd, who came on the ground as the substitute late in the third term, is expected to miss at least three weeks, sidelining the champion ball-winner for Saturday's clash against his old side West Coast.

Chris Judd injures his hamstring after being pushed by Stewart Crameri as he kicked Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

The injury will further fuel speculation the 30-year-old is in the final season of a glittering career and marred the club's spirited response to a winless first month of the season.

Coach Michael Malthouse said he felt for Judd after his latest injury setback but said the midfielder's interrupted preparation had nothing to do with last night's blow.

"It was just an overstride and probably most players would have got it, or certainly players who have got that sort of pace," Malthouse said.

"One thing we won't do is get locked out and say we can't win with him or without him.

"We all know what a great player he has been and he has been missing all year, really."

Ed Curnow cleans up the point post when he is tackled by Liam Picken. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

The Blues played with greater pace and freedom in the 28-point win at Etihad Stadium but Malthouse denied the game plan for last night' match had changed "one inch" from their first four losses.

Rather, Malthouse praised the Blues' grit and determination to stave off the Dogs second-half comeback with only one fit man on the bench, after losing Judd and Ed Curnow to a last-term knee injury.

Ed Curnow on crutches after game. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

Malthouse said the club's tortured start to the season, suffering four-straight defeats for the first time since 1989, may have helped galvanise the playing group.

"When you've lost games, you have doubt," Malthouse said.

"But also when you've lost games and you keep getting back up, it strengthens you.

"I felt today we were mentally prepared and mentally strong when we needed to be and that may have been an offshoot of losing four (games).

"I'm not sure, it's immeasurable. But my understanding of the game and sport in general is if you lose games like this there becomes a consolidation of the group and the mind.

"Today we were able to push through — one) against a good football side, and two) despite a lack of rotation availability."

AFL Round 5. Western Bulldogs v Carlton at Etihad Stadium. Chris Judd talks with Robert Warnock after game. Pic: Michael Klein. Saturday April 19, 2014. Source: News Corp Australia

Malthouse described ruckman Robbie Warnock's game as the best of his career and said his team's improved ball use was crucial helping his key forwards capitalise on the scoreboard.

Big men Lachie Henderson and Jarrad Waite kicked eight goals between them.

"(There were) Less turnovers and more opportunities and we took the opportunities," he said.

"It's handy when you've got three forwards who can actually catch the football and that builds the confidence in itself."

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