kangaroos.com.au looks at some of the key discussion points heading into the game.
1. Form
North Melbourne
Last Week: Defeated Western Bulldogs by 23 points
A huge sell-out crowd at Eureka Stadium greeted the Kangaroos for their clash against the Bulldogs, and despite a 23-point win there's still plenty for North to work on ahead of round one.
Brent Harvey proved the difference in the premiership quarter, but there were also strong performances from Liam Anthony, Scott Thompson and Aaron Edwards that supporters were excited about.
Carlton
Last Week: Lost to Brisbane by 64 points
Fielding an inexperienced side was always going to make things tough against Brisbane in Maroochydore, but Brett Ratten would never have expected such a disappointing second-half effort.
Behind by just two points at the main change, the Blues eventually lost by 64 points and were held scoreless in the second half. The performances of Kane Lucas and Andrew Collins provided reason for optimism, while Chris Judd and Jarrad Waite got through the match unscathed.
2. Pre-season heroes
North Melbourne
Aaron Edwards
The 28 year-old has been one of North's most consistent performers throughout the NAB Cup with a best-on-field effort against Richmond and another terrific match in the win over the Bulldogs. He looks full of confidence and will only benefit with Drew Petrie back this week.
Carlton
Kane Lucas
The former first-round pick looks to have come of age having overcome a medial ligament injury that affected his performance last year. He's been named in the best in three of Carlton's NAB Cup matches and was its leading possession winner against the Lions.
.jpg) |
| Aaron Edwards was one of North's best against the Bulldogs |
3. Young Guns
North Melbourne
Cameron Delaney
The younger Delaney has made the most of his opportunity since being called up and is pushing hard for a round one debut with his form.
Still relatively raw, Delaney will only benefit from more challenging roles, like the one he had on the Bulldogs' Jarrad Grant last week.
Carlton
Pat McCarthy
The versatile tall had seven possessions and put the ball inside 50 twice in just over a quarter of game time last week.
Selected at pick 34 in the 2010 draft, he can play at both ends of the ground.
4. Key Players
North Melbourne
Scott McMahon
North's number 42 was rested last week, but is sure to be welcomed back against the Blues with open arms.
McMahon's importance can't be understated with his linking role off half-back, precision on the rebound and ability to make his opponents accountable going the other way.
Carlton
Jarrad Waite
An in-form Waite can be one of the most dangerous key-forwards in the league and after a week to settle back in, he should be raring to go.
With Nathan Grima out of the side, Scott Thompson may be left to deal with the dangerous Blue.
.jpg) |
| Scott McMahon could be a handy inclusion for North |
5. Where it could be won
North Melbourne
Forward options
With Michael Jamison and Jeremy Laidler both out, North will be looking to get on top early against a somewhat inexperienced defence.
Matthew Watson and Bret Thornton were brave in defence last week in trying circumstances, but they'll need to be at the top of their game with the likes of Aaron Edwards and Drew Petrie to contend with.
Carlton
Key additions
Carlton could regain up to ten senior players for Sunday's match and with it being the final chance to push for selection ahead of round one, the Blues' are sure to be fired up.
Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Carrazzo and Eddie Betts are all in the mix and would make Carlton a far tougher prospect.
6. Dream Team
North Melbourne
Todd Goldstein bounced back after an otherwise quiet pre-season campaign to be North's top scorer against the Bulldogs with 78.
Harvey was a star in the third term and finished with 53 points in a half, while Levi Greenwood and Leigh Adams posted big numbers in limited time.
Click here to view kangaroos.com.au's Dream Team wrap
Carlton
Ed Curnow was the Blues' top scorer against Brisbane with 88, but 32 of those points came from tackles. Lucas scored 76, while Jordan Russell and Chris Yarran both tallied 71.
Brock McLean has been a handy scorer during the Blues' campaign and registered 41 in a half.
Carlton vs North Melbourne
Visy Park, Carlton
Sunday March 18
1pm
2012 North Melbourne Football Club members (with match access) & AFL North Melbourne Club Support members receive free admission to this game.
(subject to capacity)
General public tickets are via cash sales at the gate only on the day.
Ticket prices - General admission
Adult $10
Concession $5
Junior $2
Family $20
Membership & merchandise will be available at this match. Exact location to be confirmed.
Gates will open at 12pm.
