CARLTON will put Marc Murphy on ice for the final two matches after the skipper failed a fitness test to return against Melbourne on Sunday.
Murphy has been missing since round 10 following a syndesmosis injury and was initially only expected to miss two-to-three weeks.
But the ankle issue has lingered and the 29-year-old will now turn his attention to 2017.
"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," coach Brendon Bolton said.
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"So it's probably the end for Murph this year so he can go and have a really strong pre-season.
"But to his credit, he's rehabbed as hard as he possibly can, he's invested in our playing group, but fell short.
"There was no setback, it was just slow in getting it right.
"Murph will be a real recruit for us next year, obviously he's missed a fair chunk (of this season)."
Murphy's absence in the second half of the season coincided with a downturn in Carlton's on-field fortunes.
The Blues have lost nine games on the trot, although they've often been competitive, with four of those defeats by two goals or less.
A lack of firepower has been a major stumbling block.
The Blues have averaged only 64 points during their losing streak, with star midfielder Bryce Gibbs and recruit Matthew Wright the club's joint-leading goalkickers on just 18 majors.
Out-of-contract key forward Levi Casboult has booted 17 goals with little support around him, and Bolton confirmed the powerful big man is a required player next season.
"He gives us a really strong target up forward. He's important for us," he said.
Richmond free agent Ty Vickery has been floated as a target for the Blues, but Bolton was coy on any interest in the tall forward on Friday.
"At the moment, I'm purely focused on the last few games and without going into any specifics right now it's our duty to draft well this year and it's also important we're also open-minded to trading," he said.
"But I'm never going to talk specifics publicly.
"We're interested in building our young depth primarily through drafting because we want to be a sustainably strong club.
"But these days it's always a combination of that and trading."
Carlton will be aiming to finish the year on a high on against Melbourne and then bottom-placed Essendon in round 23.
But spoiling the Dees' charge towards an unlikely finals berth won't be added motivation for the Blues this Sunday at the MCG.
"Prevent that from happening? It's more us making sure we go out and give the effort for four quarters," Bolton said.
"We know they're going to be determined, they've got finals (to aim for), but we're looking to make sure we improve every game.
"So we've got as much to play for as they have."
