Carlton will appeal the one-match striking ban handed to Will Hayward, in a bid to have the recruit available for a crunch clash with Adelaide.

Hayward was suspended for striking North Melbourne young gun George Wardlaw in the Blues' Good Friday defeat.

The former Swan, who joined Carlton as part of the blockbuster Charlie Curnow trade, hit Wardlaw late with a swinging arm to the midriff as he kicked North into attack.

It was considered intentional conduct, medium impact and body contact, which draws a one-game ban.

That would rule Hayward out of Thursday night's high-stakes game at Adelaide Oval, where Carlton will already be without vice-captain and first-choice key defender Jacob Weitering (concussion)

The Blues are 1-3 for the season, with immense pressure on coach Michael Voss.