SUMMARY
This clash features two of this season's most disappointing teams. The Blues were widely tipped to finish in the top four after Mick Malthouse's arrival as coach, but need a strong finish to the year just to make the finals. So too does North Melbourne after a season that has teased its fans with stretches of breathtaking play but so far delivered heartbreak. Ninth-placed Carlton has a game in hand on the 11th-placed Roos, but North's best football this year has been better. If the North that beat Richmond in round 15 turns up, it wins. If not, the Blues will more than likely keep the pressure on eighth-placed Port Adelaide.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday July 19, 7.50pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
R16, 2012, North Melbourne 24.5 (149) d Carlton 14.12 (96) at Etihad Stadium
R9, 2011, Carlton 11.14 (80) d North Melbourne 9.8 (62) at Etihad Stadium
R12, 2010, North Melbourne 14.13 (97) d Carlton 10.8 (68) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2009, Carlton 14.10 (94) d North Melbourne 11.18 (84) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2008, North Melbourne 22.9 (141) d Carlton 14.6 (90) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. North has won eight of its past 10 games against Carlton, but the teams have split their past four games.
2. The teams have clashed 13 times at Etihad Stadium, with the Roos holding a 10-3 advantage.
3. North Melbourne and Carlton bookend the AFL free kick count this season. The Roos have received the most free kicks (22.3 a game) and the Blues have received the least (15.4 a game).
4. North and Carlton have both been strong in clearances this season, with the Roos ranked fourth in the competition and the Blues fifth.
5. Despite having won only six games in 2013, the Kangaroos are ranked fourth for total goals kicked (228) ahead of Carlton in seventh (207).
6. North veteran Brent Harvey is the highest ranked player from either team in the Official AFL Player Ratings, at No.14 overall. Carlton stars Chris Judd and Marc Murphy are next best at No.16 and 17 respectively, followed by Roo Daniel Wells at No.22.
