Another difficult challenge awaits North Melbourne, who return to Marvel Stadium this weekend for a clash with Carlton.

The Roos will attempt to bounce back from a tough trip to Sydney, where they were defeated by the pacesetting Swans.

Round 19, Carlton v North Melbourne
Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC
When: Sunday, July 21 at 4.40pm AEST
How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

After cruising past the Cats and Tigers, Carlton will enter Round 19 on the back of a two-game losing streak.

Despite a rampant first quarter at ENGIE Stadium, the Blues were knocked off by the Giants a fortnight ago before being edged out by the Bulldogs under Marvel Stadium's roof last weekend.

However, they remain in second spot and will fancy themselves on Sunday against the Roos, having picked up a 56-point victory when the clubs last met on Good Friday.

What the coaches have said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson, post-game v Sydney: "We wish that our improvement could be linear and that it could just continue to rise … (but) today we lowered our colours against a really good side, particularly around the ball. They broke tackles, were cleaner with the footy and scored 12 goals from stoppages."

Carlton senior coach Michael Voss, post-game v Western Bulldogs: "It never really felt like we were in a position to win it. They kept us at bay for most of the game ... and every time we closed, they got an easy one back. Credit to the Dogs, they brought a really consistent level of performance today and they stuck at the task and we weren't able to do the same."

In the mix

Robert Hansen jnr will be firmly in the frame for a season debut following another strong showing in the reserves over the weekend. He was one of the Roos' best afield in their five-point VFL win over Sydney, finishing with 16 disposals and two goals.

Zac Fisher returned via the VFL from a foot issue and racked up 27 touches and five intercepts and will look to jump back into the senior team against his former side, Carlton.

Zane Duursma could be brought in to freshen up the attack after taking three contested marks and kicking three goals at Tramway Oval.

In-form Roo

Jy Simpkin

The co-skipper was North Melbourne's best on a difficult day at the SCG as he added another impressive individual performance to his stretch of strong form post-bye.

He battled hard in the guts to come away with 26 disposals, and managed to have an impact on the scoreboard with two goal assists and a major of his own.