CARLTON has suffered a huge blow ahead of Sunday's clash against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium, with skipper Marc Murphy a late withdrawal with hamstring tightness.

Murphy was listed in the final team and took part in the initial warm-up, but then felt the hamstring issue and had to be withdrawn, replaced by the Blues' new substitute Dennis Armfield.

Brock McLean, who had been named as the sub, comes into the 21.

It could be a significant loss for a Carlton side aiming to end a run of three straight defeats and keep its very faint finals hopes alive.

For the Giants, No.1 draft pick Tom Boyd is in the side for just his third appearance of his rookie campaign, replacing Jeremy Cameron (ankle).

In-form midfielder Tom Scully (hamstring) and Jacob Townsend (omitted) also miss out, with Adam Kennedy and Kristian Jaksch included for the home side.

GWS is aiming for consecutive wins for the first time in its short history after last week's record 45-point win over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.