Carlton coach Michael Voss has defended Charlie Curnow after critics came for the star forward when he went goalless for the first time since the start of 2022.
Curnow's 66-game goal streak ended at an unfortunate time for the Blues, losing to bitter rivals Collingwood in a three-point thriller last Saturday night.
The defeat dropped Carlton back to eighth, just three weeks after they sat in second and seemed destined to secure a top-four finish for the first time since 2000.
Former star forwards Jonathan Brown and Jack Riewoldt had Curnow in their sights in the aftermath of the Blues' fourth loss in five games.
But Voss was perplexed by the criticism of Curnow, who has won the last two Coleman medals and remains in contention to win it again this year.
"I tend to look at a body of work, I look at form, we're getting a real narrow focus if we're sort of focusing on one or two games," Voss said on Friday.
"The guy's consistency over three years now has been extremely high level.
"He's been fairly consistent over a long period of time so has an off day, has an off moment, that's not unusual for anyone.
"He's important to us, he knows that, he knows the energy that he brings to us and with very, very good players it (down form) won't be for a long time."
Curnow rolled his ankle during the last quarter against the Magpies, receiving attention in the rooms to remove him from the game during a crucial period.
The 27-year-old was listed as a test on Carlton's injury report on Tuesday, but was named in the Blues' squad to face Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.
Voss is "very confident" Curnow will be right to play, with the match a virtual elimination final for the Hawks.
GWS spearhead Jesse Hogan threatens to spoil Curnow's bid to become the first player since Gary Ablett Snr (1993-95) to win three-straight Coleman Medals.
Hogan (58) has gone two goals clear of Curnow with three rounds left.
