Carlton v North Melbourne
Sunday, May 5 - 1.10pm AEST
Marvel Stadium
Form
Carlton (1-5) v North Melbourne (1-5)
Carlton and North come into this Round 7 clash with identical records, both managing just the one win this season.
The Blues arguably deserve to have a few more victories to their name at this point of the season, having two of their past three matches decided by less than a goal.
For the Roos, they were gallant against Port Adelaide, clawing back a 41-point fourth quarter deficit to lose by just 16 points, the third time they’ve lost by that margin or less.
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Last time we met
It’s been over a year since North and Carlton last went face-to-face, with the two sides last meeting in Round 4, 2018 at Blundstone Arena.
Ben Brown put on a show in front of his home crowd, kicking five majors, while Shaun Atley, Jack Ziebell and Jarrad Waite all finished the match with three majors.
Down back, Scott Thompson wound back the clock taking 15 marks and earning 25 disposals, and played a large part in keeping Carlton to just four goals for the match.
Through the middle of the ground, Shaun Higgins recorded 35 disposals, while Ben Jacobs did an outstanding job on Patrick Cripps, restricting him to just 19 touches.
For the Blues, it was a night to forget, with Ed Curnow leading the way with 26 disposals, while Jarrod Garlett managed two goals, and Matthew Wright and Jack Silvagni contributing a major each.
The last time these sides met under the roof was Round 10, 2017, when the Roos walked away 17-point victors.
Key matchup
Harry McKay v Robbie Tarrant.
McKay has arguably been the number one shining light of Carlton in what has otherwise been a difficult season to date.
The 21-year-old is leading the Blues’ goal-kicking in 2019, having slotted 11 in six rounds, and is proving to be one of the most dangerous aerial threats in the competition.
McKay is ranked first amongst the competition in contested marks per game, and sixth in total marks inside 50, which in turn, generates shots on goal.
These recent performances have seen AFL great Wayne Carey describe McKay as the “best contested mark in the competition”.
However this week, his task will be made that bit more difficult, as he is likely to line up on experienced defender Tarrant.
Tarrant is an underrated lock-down backman that isn’t afraid to go for his marks and take the game on in transition.
A strong frame, the 30-year-old can match it with the game’s best goal-kickers, and will no doubt be excited to put his skills to the test against a young, emerging star in McKay.
It’s won and lost...
...across North’s half-forward line.
North’s trio across the half-forward line will be forced to be on their toes defensively on Friday, as it looks to quell the impact of Carlton’s half-back line.
The likes of Cameron Zurhaar and Kayne Turner will need to put pressure on players such as Dale Thomas and Lachie Plowman.
While we have seen the impact the Roos' emerging forwards can have offensively, players of that ilk must be accountable for their opponents in transition, as the Blues rate second amongst the league in rebound 50s per game.
The injury to Nic Newman will be somewhat of a relief for the Roos following his impressive start to the season.
Regardless, the likes of Caleb Marchbank, Liam Jones and Jacob Weitering will be sure to cover any potential absentees, and look to hurt North as they move the ball out of defensive 50.
Keep an eye on…
Dale Thomas and Shaun Atley.
After a lean past few seasons from Thomas due to ankle injuries, the 31-year-old has been one of Carlton’s most consistent performers.
In the opening six matches of the season, Thomas is averaging 20 disposals, 6 marks and 3 tackles, in a new role in defence.
A player who has been much maligned in recent years, the former midfielder has become a valuable asset because of his experience, poise and on-field leadership.
Another on-baller who has found himself in defence in 2019 is Shaun Atley, and like Thomas, is flourishing in his new environment.
Atley is averaging a career-high 21.2 disposals per game, a stark improvement on his previous personal best average which was 18.6 in 2014.
A smooth-mover in traffic, the 26-year-old has been an important player when it comes to moving the ball out of defensive 50.
Look for the Roo and Blue to play similar roles on Sunday, and help their sides in defence.
