North Melbourne’s VFL side has secured a hard-fought, 13.12 (90) to 10.14 (74) win over a strong Carlton reserves side to remain undefeated in 2024.

The Roos finished fast in the Good Friday clash at Arden Street Oval, kicking the last four goals of the contest to thwart a spirited final-quarter comeback from the visitors.

Tall forward Finnbar Maley was dominant taking 13 marks and booting two goals, while key defender Charlie Comben held down the backline racking up 22 disposals and 13 marks as well.

It was a scrappy start early as both clubs worked their way into proceedings, but North Melbourne's backline remained composed, with Comben, Bigoa Nyuon, Wil Dawson, and Jackson Archer all starting positively.

KANGAROOS v BLUES Full match coverage and stats

"Our defenders were awesome today," VFL senior coach Tom Lynch told NMFC Media.

"They all played their role and were outstanding. That was Daws' (Wil Dawson) best performance since being drafted so it was great to see him improve.

"Riley Hardeman, Brayden George, Jackson Archer were fantastic with their run off half-back, they all defended really well and they certainly kept us in it."

High-flying big man Maley stole the headlines, though. He took a couple of huge pack marks to stir the crowd, while also showing touch and smarts on the move when he was higher up the field.

"He was unbelievable," Lynch said.

"He's been working really hard on his craft so I'm pleased to have seen how he played today ... he had such a strong influence forward of the ball for us.

"He had a few mates out there too, Tyler Sellers competed hard in front of the ball and provided really good contests and we got some really good pressure from our smalls down there, Blake Drury and Robbie Hansen (jnr)."

Sellers (three goals, 12 disposals) and Drury (two, 21) were hot from the start as both hit the scoreboard in the opening term. The former picked up from where he left off against the Bullants by kicking Friday's first goal, while Drury found plenty of room to get busy in at half-forward.

The Kangas remained in control from the start of the second quarter onwards, but a spirited Blues outfit began to fight back towards the backend of the third term.

Majors to Zavier Maher and Jack Lefroy saw the Blues take a seven-point advantage halfway through the last quarter, but a four-goal blitz sealed the deal for Tom Lynch's group.

Connor Downie was impressive roaming the wings and ended with a game-high 29 touches, while Sam Lowson (two goals) and Jack Watkins (28 disposals) were also pivotal in the victory.

Hardeman left the field for a concussion assessment in the second quarter and played no further part in the game, while Nyuon sat out the final stages due to a calf corkie.

NORTH MELBOURNE     2.5    6.5    8.9    13.12  (90)     
CARLTON    2.3    3.5    7.9    10.14  (74)     

GOALS
North Melbourne: Sellers 3, Maley 2, Drury 2, Hansen jnr 2, Lowson 2, Greenwood, Stevens
Carlton: Lefroy 3, Kemp, Moir, Nelson, Pittonet, Maher, Monahan, White

BEST  
North Melbourne: Maley, Comben, Downie, Sellers, Watkins, Lowson