Stephen Kernahan was to be held goalless, but Carlton was still too good for North Melbourne in this game on a wet and cold Saturday afternoon at the MCG.

The Roos started slowly in 1995, but would end the year with a string of wins on the back of some vintage form from Wayne Carey. In this game, Carey's normal match-up - Stephen Silvagni - again had his measure and kept North's trump card from troubling the scorers however.

With two of the biggest names in the game held in check, the task of winning the game would fall to Carlton's mid-sized forwards and resting midfielders. Enter Brad Pearce.

Playing as a permanent forward rather than half-forward flank or wing, Pearce had a cracker of a game, with 21 disposals and three goals from the pocket. From this point on, Pearce would remain a permanent forward, becoming a great foil for Kernahan with his fast leads and strong hands.

By this time Mil Hanna had made a habit of turning in blinders against North Melbourne, and this day was no exception. Despite the inclement conditions, he handled the ball as if it was bone dry, and his 36 possessions made him clearly best on ground, while future Blue Mick Martyn earned two votes at full-back for the Shinboners and kicked a rare goal.

Carlton 1.7 13   4.11 35   9.12 66   12.12 (84)
North Melbourne 2.1 13   3.4 22   3.8 26   7.8 (50)

Venue: MCG

Date: Sunday April 30, 1995

Crowd: 42,729

Goalkickers: B.Pearce 3, C.Bradley 2, F.Brown 1, B.Mitchell 1, A.Gleeson 1, M.Clape 1, A.Koutoufides 1, M.Hanna 1, S.Camporeale 1.

Best: M.Hanna, C.Bradley, B.Pearce, M.Sexton, S.Camporeale, A.McKay.

Reports: Nil

Injuries: Nil

Umpires: H.Kennedy, C.Mitchell & M.Westgarth

Brownlow votes:

3 - Mil Hanna (CARL)
2 - Mick Martyn (NM)
1 - Brad Pearce (CARL)

Article with thanks to Blueseum.org