Carlton coach Mick Malthouse was bristling with anger after his side lost a pulsating AFL match to Hawthorn by 15 points.

The free kick count went against Carlton 23-13, including 14-4 after halftime.

Blues captain Marc Murphy went to hospital after suffering a broken cheekbone in a clash with Hawks counterpart Luke Hodge in the second term.

While Malthouse said he was sure the incident was an accident, he was staggered Murphy received no free kick for the high contact.

“I would have liked a free kick from it (and) I’m sure he would have liked a free kick for it,” Malthouse said.

“We squared them off nearly everywhere, the free kicks we didn’t.”

Asked about the free kick count in the second half, Malthouse replied: “that says something, doesn’t it? I don’t know what it says, but it says 14-4,” Malthouse said.

Apart from his anger at Murphy not winning a free kick, Malthouse also vented about tackling decisions.

“Have I missed something recently? I know I’ve missed the tackling rule – totally missed (it),” he said.

“You now tackle and dispossess and it’s now called play on – that’s something I have totally missed in the 12 months I was out commentating.

“That’s a factor and it’s been a factor against us for a few weeks now.”

Malthouse brusquely dismissed a question about Mitch Robinson, who played out the match despite hurting his shoulder.

“You don’t get medals for bravery in football, you just get out there and do it,” he said.