Carlton have withstood a tide of injuries to snatch a last-gasp two-point victory over Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium.

Matthew Kreuzer was the hero in the 14.9 (93) to 13.13 (91) victory, achieved despite the loss of Levi Casboult in the game’s opening minutes.

The ruckman kicked Carlton into the lead late into time-on in the final quarter after the Blues had trailed for much of the match.

Casboult had plenty of company in the treatment rooms before heading to hospital for assessment on a possible ACL injury.

Patrick Cripps, Lachie Plowman, Ciaran Byrne and Kreuzer himself all required attention through the afternoon, leaving the Blues with just two on the bench for long spells.

Despite the injury toll, Carlton dominated possession and territory, leaving Ken Hinkley’s side reliant on counter-attacking football.

It worked for much of the game, with the Power staying in front, if not in control.

Each time Carlton challenged for the lead, Port Adelaide found a response.

Chad Wingard, twice, and Travis Boak grabbed the lead back for Port within a minute of losing leads.

When Matthew Broadbent and Charlie Dixon goals put Power 17 points ahead with just 10 minutes left, it looked a challenge too far for the besieged Blues.

But late goals to Liam Jones and Liam Sumner laid the platform for Kreuzer’s roof-raising major to snatch a famous victory.

The result puts a dent in Port Adelaide’s finals assault with their win-loss at 4-4 and a taxing month ahead.

By contrast, the Blues grabbed a most unlikely fourth win in succession and will face league leaders North Melbourne next week high on confidence.