Carlton vice-captain Kade Simpson has acknowledged injury and inaccuracy took their toll in last night’s loss to St Kilda.

Fellow vice-captain Andrew Carrazzo was a late withdrawal, while the Blues lost David Ellard and Chris Yarran early in the game.

Defender Michael Jamison fought on despite a troublesome shoulder, and Simpson has praised his teammate’s courageous effort.

“To get a sore shoulder early in the game and then to see it out when we didn't  have anyone on the bench, it's a great effort. (Nick) Riewoldt, he's a superstar of the game and probably playing the best footy of his career, so for Jamo to play on and do the job he did is a tremendous effort."

Simpson says the Blues will take some positives from their strong finish, as they refocus for Sunday’s clash with Port Adelaide.