With four wins in a row, Carlton has been the surprise of the league in the last month.

However, the Blues have been hit hard by injury; it means North Melbourne could be confronted by a different setup than normal.

Matthew Kreuzer injured his knee in Carlton’s win against Port Adelaide, and won’t play against the Roos. Compounding the loss, fellow ruckman Andrew Phillips is still on the sidelines recovering from a hamstring strain.

In theory, that would lead to either Daniel Gorringe or Cameron Wood stepping into the Blues’ outfit, but complicating matters is the fact neither played in the VFL last week.

Sam Rowe pinch-hit in the ruck last week after Kreuzer’s injury, but will most likely be deployed as a forward on Saturday night.

That’s because the loss of Levi Casboult has left the Blues missing arguably their most important key forward. Leading the AFL in contested marks, the 26-year-old provides a presence close to goal.

The chances of Rowe staying forward will increase if Jacob Weitering recovers from his shoulder injury to gain selection. Weitering, last year’s first draft pick, has missed the last two weeks but was impressive in a defensive post before the layoff.

Veteran Michael Jamison has played at full back in the last two Blues wins, while the likes of Kristian Jaksch and Simon White may be called up to play in key posts at either end of the ground.

Carlton’s most influential players have largely been its experienced ones, in particular Bryce Gibbs and Kade Simpson.

Simpson, in his customary role across half-back, is currently averaging a career-high for disposals in a season at the age of 32. He’s also third in the AFL for rebound 50’s, indicating a large part of Carlton’s run and carry out of defence lies with the 250-gamer.

Gibbs has been immense during Carlton’s winning streak, influential all over the ground. He’s been inside (25 clearances, 25 tackles), outside (15+ uncontested possessions in each of the four matches), forward (six goals) and back (10 rebound 50’s).

With a club record ninth consecutive win to start a season on the line for North, it will have to take down a Blues’ side high on confidence.