CARLTON full-forward Brendan Fevola says suggestions the Blues are tanking are "ridiculous".

Queries were raised after Fevola left the field at a crucial time of the final quarter against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday, with the Magpies coming from a goal down at the last change to win by four goals.

The Blues won't receive a priority pick in the NAB AFL National Draft if they win one more game this season.

But Fevola said his absence from the field was forced by a thigh injury which has been troubling him for several weeks.

"I went out for the ball and it got pretty tight and the doctor said 'Just come off and we'll assess it'," Fevola told the Nine Network's Sunday Footy Show.

"I was only off for a few minutes, unfortunately they kicked two goals and then I came back on."

He said he also played despite being hampered by illness and that there should be no doubts about the young Carlton team's desire to notch another victory.

"You just look at our performance, I think that's ridiculous and for people to be saying that, it's a joke," he said.

He said winning experience was more important to the club's future than an extra draft pick.

"I don't think any losing culture's a good culture, so I think [suggestions of tanking] are a bit silly," Fevola said.