MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 21: Marc Murphy of the Blues compete for the ball during the round nine AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Carlton Blues at Etihad Stadium on May 21, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Carlton coach Brendon Bolton has conceded that captain Marc Murphy will not play again this season.
Murphy injured his ankle in Round 10 against Geelong, in what initially seen as a four to five week injury.
However, his injury has taken longer than expected to recover.
The club was hopeful Murphy would be able to make a return for the final two weeks of the season, but Bolton confirmed on Friday morning that the skipper will not be risked in the final two rounds after failing yet another fitness test at training.
"It's been really frustrating for Murph and us, it's one of those injuries that's just niggled and stayed around and we tested him this week and he's still just not quite right," Bolton said.
"So it's probably the end for Murph this year so he can go and have a really strong pre-season."