Hunter suffered the damage midway through the match at Marvel Stadium and carried on to play a huge role in the Bulldogs' stirring victory.

But he is now facing a stint on the sidelines and will miss Saturday night's blockbuster clash with Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

"Scans post-game confirmed he did have a fracture in one of the small bones in his hand," the Bulldogs said in a statement on Monday.

"Surgery was required to stabilise the fracture, with that procedure completed today.

"Hunter's return to play timeline will be confirmed over the coming days."

Hunter has featured in all eight games for the Bulldogs this season, averaging 20.6 disposals, and kicked two important goals from 14 touches against Carlton.

"It was a pretty determined, tough effort to get through the game," Dogs coach Luke Beveridge said.

"Lachie had a huge last quarter when he went up to the wing."

The second-placed Bulldogs face premiership contenders Port Adelaide and Melbourne in the next three weeks, either side of a clash with last year's elimination final nemesis St Kilda.

While Hunter's absence will be a blow, the Bulldogs could regain ruckman Tim English against a Power side that is set to lose Scott Lycett to suspension.

English has missed the past two matches because of concussion.

Australian Associated Press