The loss of the versatile Andrew Walker for the duration of the 2014 season with a dodgy knee unquestionably impacts on Mick Malthouse’s options . . . but to quote one of the game’s more hackneyed sayings, “crisis creates opportunity” - and perhaps a kid will get a call-up in Walker’s absence.

Whatever the case, Brad Scott’s sixth-placed North poses serious concerns for the 14^th-placed Blues. The Kangaroos currently sit fifth in the AFL for total disposals and uncontested possessions, which best reflects their running and sharing game, and a whopping 74 per cent of all their disposals are effective.

The Northerners also like to share the ball across half-back until they find someone loose pushing forward, which is why they’re fourth in the comp for rebound 50s.

Think North and think Brent Harvey – the evergreen on-baller who, at age 36 and some 18 seasons into his career, remains his team’s most dangerous competitor. That Harvey is second for North in total disposals and uncontested possessions, first for inside 50s and fourth for contested possessions says much for this genuine impact player who’s also booted a lazy 21 goals so far this season.

Aiding and abetting Harvey’s cause is Ben Cunnington, 10 games shy of his 100^th and now his team’s No.1 inside midfielder. As the Kangaroos’ leader for contested possessions (equal 11^th in the AFL), overall clearances (equal fifth in the AFL) and centre clearances (sixth in the AFL), the boy from Cobden looms large as a threat to a Carlton team out to atone for last weekend’s awful lapse on the
SCG.