The Good Friday SuperClash returns this week as North Melbourne and Carlton lock horns in front of what is expected to be a packed-out Marvel Stadium.
A first win for the season beckoned when Alastair Clarkson's side got off to a blazing start against the Dockers last Saturday, but the Roos struggled to put the game to bed and were ultimately overrun in the second half.
Round 3, North Melbourne v Carlton
Where: Marvel Stadium, VIC
When: Friday, March 29 at 4.20pm AEDT
How to watch: Channel 7, Foxtel, Kayo Sports
What it means
An opportunity to make a statement under the spotlight
A landmark fixture for the club and competition stands as a chance for Clarkson's young charges to take another step forward in their progression.
They showed what they were capable in the first half against Fremantle last week through strong clearance work and speed and slickness out of defence, but putting all the pieces together for four quarters will be the challenge North Melbourne faces when it clashes with a premiership contender.
Footy takes a backseat to a great cause
While the Kangaroos and Blues take the stage tomorrow, the focal point of the day is the Royal Children's Hospital's Good Friday Appeal.
Good Friday football has already raised over $1.7m since 2017, and the Kangaroos need your help this year as we aim to break the $2m mark.
>> Donate to the Good Friday Appeal here
The opposition
The undefeated Blues are humming at the moment and will enter Round 3 well rested after a bye.
After shocking Brisbane with a second-half revitalisation in Opening Round, Carlton held off a resolute Richmond side a week later to make it two wins from two outings.
Key forward Harry McKay has found early season form, polling 13 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award votes in his first two appearances, while the big-bodied Patrick Cripps is always one to watch in coach Michael Voss's engine room.
Running hot
Tom Powell
Round 2 saw a break-out performance from the South Australian native, who has all but nailed down a spot in North Melbourne's growing midfield and was rewarded with a two-year contract extension during the week.
While the Fremantle game got away from the Roos, Powell played a significant role in helping his side shoot out to a strong first-half lead, before finishing with two goals and career-highs for disposals (28) and clearances (eight).
What the coaches have said
North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson on Thursday: "The evidence is there that we're on the right track, but as we know with this great game of ours you've got to do it over four quarters, not just in bits and pieces. We're pleased with the progress we're making, but we know to win games of footy we've got to do it for a sustained amount of time."
Carlton senior coach Michael Voss on Thursday: "(The Roos are) extremely dangerous ... I don't think they could've been more impressive in that first half (against Fremantle). It's up to us now to be able to make sure that we not only put our system in place but pressure the opposition."
