CARLTON veteran Marc Murphy has been hospitalised after suffering a suspected rib injury from a heavy hit to the body from Greater Western Sydney enforcer Shane Mumford.

Late in the first term of the Blues' 93-point loss, Murphy won possession in the clinches in defence and quickly dished off a handball as he fell, before Mumford crashed into him.

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In an incident that is likely to draw the attention of Match Review Officer Michael Christian, the right knee of the Giants' ruckman made forceful contact with Murphy's rib region.

The 31-year-old Blues champion remained down for a time before struggling to his feet and walking gingerly from the field.

Murphy was escorted by ambulance to hospital during the second quarter, with the club saying it was a precautionary measure.

"He has gone in now for scans on a rib injury," coach Brendon Bolton said after the match.

"We need to check the extent of that.

"He is a class player, he has been a captain of our footy club so that didn’t help today."

The loss of Murphy for any length of time will be keenly felt for a team severely lacking in experience.

The dual club champion, who relinquished the Blues captaincy at the end of last year, has played every game this season for a career total of 258.