CARLTON has been outclassed by a rampaging North Melbourne in their Round 7 clash at Marvel Stadium. 

The 58-point loss was further soured by a concussion to defender Liam Jones following a heavy knock in the third quarter. 

Gallant efforts by young midfielders Zac Fisher and Sam Walsh were the main highlights for Blues’ fans on the day, while forward Jack Silvagni showed promise to finish the day with two goals.

The Breakdown 

Q1 Breakdown:

The Blues’ defenders were under the pump early with North Melbourne immediately imposing themselves on the game. Three early goals gave the Kangaroos the early advantage, making the most of their repeat entries into their attacking half. Liam Jones and Dale Thomas fought hard in defence and while the Blues were able to fight their way back into the contest, North went into the first break with a 32-point lead. 

Q2 Breakdown:

North Melbourne’s pressure didn’t ease up to start the second quarter, able to control the contest and extend its first-quarter lead. The Blues fought hard to work themselves back into the game, finally hitting the scoreboard through captain Patrick Cripps. The Blues continued to struggle against a relentless North Melbourne attack and went into the main break trailing by 53 points. Zac Fisher and Sam Walsh’s efforts around the contest did not go unnoticed, with the pair working tirelessly to get the Blues involved.

Williamson battles for possession in his return to senior football. 

Q3 Breakdown:

The Blues looked to have started the third quarter on the front foot, with Jack Silvagni slotting an early goal. Defender Liam Jones was stretchered off the ground after an unfortunate collision in a marking contest. Carlton headed into the final break trailing by 69 points.  

Q4 Breakdown:

There was little relief for the Blues as North Melbourne finished the game as strongly as they started. Jack Silvagni’s consistent efforts were rewarded with a stylish mid-air volley for his second goal, while Cripps’ second goal was also full of class.

Moment of the match:

In his 150th game in the Navy Blue, Ed Curnow will always remember the moment he shared with younger brother Charlie late in the game. The two combined for a goal in the fourth quarter with a one-two, as Ed ultimately finished with a classy snap.

Three things we learned:

• Jack Silvagni’s pressure around the ball and his repeat efforts around the contest is an  asset to the Carlton forward line. He refused to give up over four quarters.
• Liam Jones’ courage can’t be questioned.
• Dale Thomas’ experience and dedication to the contest was as important as ever.

Up next: 

Carlton will try to turn things around when it faces the old enemy Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

CARLTON     0.2     1.7     3.10     8.14 (62)   
NORTH MELBOURNE     5.5     10.6     15.7     18.12 (120)

GOALS
Carlton: Silvagni 2, Cripps 2, Dow, E.Curnow, Cuningham, Gibbons, Silvagni 2, Cripps
North Melbourne: Zurhaar 5, Brown 4, Simpkin 2, Goldstein 2, Garner, Anderson, Wood, Thomas, Ziebell

BEST
Carlton: Walsh, Silvagni, Weitering, Fisher, Cripps

INJURIES
Carlton: Jones (concussion)

Reports
Nil

Umpires: Rosebury, Hosking, Dore

Official attendance: 42,430