While the Suns continued their resurgence with a 26-point win over Carlton on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium, the victory was soured by a hamstring injury to co-captain Steven May, which coach Rodney Eade said was expected to sideline the key defender for at least three weeks.

Already minus Sam Day for the season, and with Rory Thompson in doubt for next week as well, the Suns may need to call upon a makeshift backline when they confront unbeaten Adelaide - including in-form captain and spearhead Taylor Waker - at Metricon Stadium next Saturday afternoon.

"Steven May will miss at least three I reckon," Eade said after the game.

Eade said that Thompson remains a chance to face the Crows, and will be assessed during the week after missing the Blues game with quad tightness.

Rebounding defender Pearce Hanley returned from compassionate leave via the NEAFL on Saturday, but ended his return game in a moonboot. Still Eade was hopeful the former Brisbane Lion would be available to confront the Crows.

Veteran Michael Barlow (hamstring tightness) and midfielder David Swallow (ankle) were also concerns against the Blues, but both look likely to play next weekend.

Having started the season with a stunning loss to the Lions and a triple-figure hiding at the hands of Greater Western Sydney, the Suns have turned their season around in the space of a week, with the win over Carlton following an 86-point thumping of Hawthorn last Sunday.

Eade said things hadn't been as bad as portrayed in the media.

"I know it's a win-loss industry ... that's what the media look at. But our first game we dominated all KPIs. We just didn't get the four points. If you're talking pure form and effort I thought it was pretty good except for the start of the game, so we didn't have to turn that around, we just had to be a bit smarter with our use.

"When we reviewed the game against GWS we didn't go extremely hard at them, but at the same time there were a few home truths.

"I think the players drove that a fair bit as well."

Eade heaped praise on co-captain Tom Lynch, who bagged seven goals in a best afield display against Carlton, while also lauding former captain Gary Ablett, who finished with 34 disposals and a goal.

"He was as pivotal as anyone, Gary. I think our experienced players, our leaders, I think they were able to show the way."

Carlton coach Brendon Bolton remained upbeat despite his side conceding 11 goals to six after half time.

"There was a lot to like," Bolton said.

"We just probably didn't capitalise on some of our good work.

"Just when we had our momentum in the first half we didn't capitalise as we should have done."

The Blues (1-3) take on Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.