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A dominant second half display from North Melbourne has seen them overcome Carlton, extending their winning streak to four games and earning them a spot in the eight.
North were just too good in the end as they kicked 10 goals to 2 in the second half and really stamped their authority on the game with their key midfielders providing well for their potent forwards.
The blues continue for Carlton though, despite fighting manfully in the second quarter to find themselves in the game before North took it well away from them.
>>MATCH REPORT: Roos beat Blues by 64 points
The Kangaroos’ start showed that they meant business, as they scored five first quarter goals to one, but Carlton caused them some significant trouble and got to within four points in the second term.
After that, it was all North, but south for Carlton.
The ‘Roos ended up dominating in most stats despite being behind in the clearances, disposals, tackles and contested possessions to half time.
The most telling stat was their 27 marks inside 50 to just 8, with their 266 uncontested possessions to 195 ensuring that they could find targets all around the ground easily.
It also didn’t help that Carlton only had 42 tackles to continue their poor form in that area.
Shaun Higgins lead all comers with 31 disposals, with Ziebell (26), Wright (24), Gibson (23) and Dal Santo (22) also finding the ball.
For Carlton, Marc Murphy fought hard for his 26 touches, with Kade Simpson having 26 of his own, while Carrazzo (24), Cripps (21) and Docherty (17) were the other ball finders.
Drew Petrie kicked 3 for the Roos, with Thomas, Ziebell, Goldstein, Harvey, Higgins and Waite all kicking 2 as part of North’s 10 different goal kickers.
Everitt was good for the Blues with 3 of his own, while Casboult kicked 2, and Tuohy, Boekhorst and Kreuzer also kicked majors.
It looked like being a contest for a little bit there, but Carlton just weren’t good enough for long enough, and North Melbourne showed why they are making a late run for the top eight with some dominant football.
Carlton 8.6.54 def by North Melbourne 18.10.118
The North Melbourne Kangaroos will be looking to continue their hot run of form when they clash against the Carlton Blues at Etihad Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:20pm (AEST).
This game features two sides at opposite ends of the form spectrum against each other, with the Kangaroos having won four of their last five, and the Blues having lost four of their last five.
But if recent games between these two are anything to go by, that piece of form guide can be thrown out the window.
Despite respective ladder positions and expectations, Carlton have managed to become somewhat of a bogey side for their opponents, and have won four of their last six meetings – all at Etihad Stadium.
With Carlton looking as low as they have ever been in recent years, North will be confident of bucking that trend.
This is an important game for North Melbourne’s finals aspirations, so they will expect all players to be up for the challenge.
That applies twofold to Jarrad Waite, who comes up against his old side for the first time towards the back end of what has been a disappointing season thus far.
If the Blues are to stand any chance in this one, they will have to put in a much better effort in the pressure department to ensure that North, who have five players with over 20 goals this season, do not score easily.
That means their tackling must improve steeply from the 32 they applied last week, as they are currently the league’s worst side in that stat.
As has been the case for much of the season, Carlton come into the game with a host of changes.
They regain some experience with Andrew Carrazzo, Cameron Wood, Troy Menzel and Clem Smith replacing Liam Jones, Nick Holman, Brad Walsh and Blaine Johnson.
Conversely, given their current form, the ‘Roos remain unchanged from last week.
Prediction
This game may be slightly closer than expected, and the Blues will be out to prove that they are better than what they put up last week against the Hawks.
Still, North’s potency in the forward half should see them come out on top, this is one of those games that they should really win.
North Melbourne by 25 points
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:20pm (AEST).
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