Carlton assistant coach Cameron Bruce is confident Matthew Kreuzer will be fit for the AFL season opener after the ruckman was forced from the field with an ankle injury in the club's final pre-season match.
The Blues came from behind to beat Hawthorn by five points in Launceston on Saturday night, registering their second trial win from as many starts.
Kreuzer limped from the field in the first quarter though and didn't return.
"All I know is that he's rolled his ankle," Carlton assistant Cameron Bruce said after the match, adding the decision to bench the 28-year-old was largely precautionary.
"At this point in time, we're pretty confident. He should be good to go in round one."
Carlton produced an eight-goal third term to take a two-point lead into the final quarter.
They held on for a 16.6 (102) to 13.19 (97) win, building on a 22-point trial victory over St Kilda in late February.
Their task is considerably tougher against reigning premiers Richmond in round one in eleven days.
"The belief the boys should have got from not playing their best footy but still winning is enormous," a buoyed Bruce said.
"I think that's a sign of growth with this group, winning ugly.
"The biggest thing was we started to play the way we wanted to play. We weren't giving Hawthorn the game on their terms.
"We still think there's plenty more improvement in our group which is exciting."
Young duo Jacob Weitering and Patrick Cripps impressed, while veteran Dale Thomas kicked three second-half goals.
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