St Kilda's push for a wildcard spot has been dealt a huge blow after the club ruled out star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera for the remainder of the home and away season.

Wanganeen-Milera exited Sunday's crucial contest with the Blues minutes into the first quarter with a hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old pulled up abruptly at a centre contest while accelerating for a handpass receive and clutched at his left leg while heading for the bench.

Brad Hill survived his own injury scare, returning after appearing to suffer a knee injury in the 44-point loss.

Brad Hill came from the ground following this contest.#AFLSaintsBlues pic.twitter.com/Sarq1Ar74F

— AFL (@AFL) August 9, 2026

With only a fortnight remaining before finals wildcard games Saints coach Ross Lyon conceded post-match Wanganeen-Milera's "not going to play (again) in the home-away season".

Wanganeen-Milera has had a slightly adjusted load at training as he managed a separate minor hip concern, but the soft-issue injury still came as unexpected.

Losing their star is like an "arrow through the heart" Lyon added.

"I'm not sure what worst-case (scenario) is, but I would think, what I saw, and I don't know much about hamstrings, (but it's) minimum three weeks," the coach said.

The club haven't taken any risks that aren't ticked-off by their medical staff, he added.

While Nasiah-Wanganeen's absence didn't help the Saints' cause, the Blues had control of the contest.

Carlton took a two goal lead into quarter time, and stretched it 25 points at the main break.

A third quarter fightback couldn't help St Kilda narrow the margin at three quarter time, with the Blues kicking three of the opening four goals of the final term to set up an important win.

Tenth spot on the ladder was up for grabs for the winner of the match.

For the first time in 2026 wildcard finals between side's finishing sixth to 10th replace the previous pre-finals bye.

The Saints and Blues were also hosting Spud's Game, the annual fixture honouring the legacy of St Kilda great Danny "Spud" Frawley and raisining funds for mental health.

"It's not ideal losing your best player, really. But in saying that, in this business, you've got to overcome it and not let it derail you," Lyon said post-match, conceding his side were behind on the majority of important metrics.

"They looked dangerous, and we looked vulnerable," Lyon said of the Blues. "Skill, composure. They just looked at a different level tonight".

Liam Ryan had his shoulder re-strapped early and returned to the game, while Brad Hill overcame what looked like an ugly lower body injury.

Hill fell awkwardly, nursed his left leg and went down into the rooms after a contest mid-way through the second quarter.

"Someone said hammy in the box, someone said knee...but he came back on," Lyon said. "We moved him to half forward. He gives us a great run. He's a three-time premiership player."

More of Hill's longevity, run and premiership experience would be a handy asset for his side, Lyon added.

St Kilda meet Richmond and Gold Coast in the final two weeks of the regular season. They currently sit 11th ahead of, but equal on points with GWS and North Melbourne.

Carlton will line up against the ninth-placed Bulldogs and ladder-leading Dockers in the next fortnight as they look to hold onto their wildcard spot.