AFL Media's Howard Kotton previews Carlton's match against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday:
SUMMARY
Carlton has been gallant in its past two losses to St Kilda and Fremantle, but coming back from a bruising Sunday twilight game in Perth played in slippery, wet conditions presents a formidable challenge for Brendon Bolton's men. While the season-ending injury to veteran Sam Rowe leaves a significant hole, the Blues' backline has been solid and they will need to be on their game on Sunday against the potent Kangaroos attack, including Ben Brown and former Blue Jarrad Waite. The Roos will be full of confidence, having won three of their past four and thrashing the Blues in their past two encounters. Rugged midfielder Ben Cunnington and ruckman Todd Goldstein were instrumental in North Melbourne's win over Melbourne last Sunday and the battle in the engine room will be crucial again, with Blues Marc Murphy, Patrick Cripps and Matthew Kreuzer in excellent form.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, May 28, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R9, 2016, North Melbourne 17.11 (113) d Carlton 6.10 (46) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2015, North Melbourne 18.10 (118) d Carlton 8.6 (54) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2014, Carlton 16.13 (109) d North Melbourne 13.8 (86) at Etihad Stadium
R17, 2013, Carlton 16.13 (109) d North Melbourne 16.12 (108) at Etihad Stadium
R16, 2012, North Melbourne 24.5 (149) d Carlton 14.12 (96) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. When these clubs last met North Melbourne held a commanding lead at half-time and went on to dominate the second half, booting nine goals to three. Roos ruckman Todd Goldstein was best on ground with three goals and 45 hit-outs.
2. The Kangaroos are one of the best 3-6 teams in recent seasons. With a percentage of 94.46, they have won three of their past four and lost three times by less than a goal.
3. Carlton and North Melbourne meet for the 154th time and the Blues hold a clear advantage, winning 97 games to 56. It is three victories each since 2011, with three decided by more than 50 points.
4. Heavily in the Kangaroos' favour is their record against the Blues at Etihad Stadium. The Roos have won 12 games to five, including the past two by a combined 131 points. Carlton has not won at Etihad Stadium since mid-way through 2016.
5. Carlton is the lowest-scoring team this season and the only side to kick fewer than 100 goals (92). The Kangaroos are one of the higher scoring teams, averaging 94 points a game.
6. Despite dropping two spots in the overall standings last weekend, North Melbourne's Todd Goldstein remains the top ruckman in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. He is 10th overall with 544.5 points, with injured Demon Max Gawn 13.6 behind the Roo. Blue Matthew Kreuzer is the 12th-ranked ruckman with 367.4 points.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Matthew Kreuzer
Finally free of injury, the Blues ruckman has been in the most consistent form of his career and was brave in trying conditions against Fremantle giant Aaron Sandilands last Sunday. He faces another tough assignment on Sunday against Todd Goldstein and their battle will go a long way towards deciding this encounter.
