North Melbourne has won a thrilling 2026 Good Friday SuperClash, coming from the clouds to defeat Carlton for the first time in the blockbuster fixture.

The Kangaroos trailed by 21 points at the 12-minute mark in the final quarter, before storming home with the last five goals of the game. 

They won by 10 points, 14.12 (96) to 13.8 (86).

KANGAROOS v BLUES Full match coverage and stats

Former captain Jy Simpkin drilled the sealer into an open goal in front of a delirious Kangaroos crowd of 45,919 at Marvel Stadium.

Young guns Zane Duursma and Cooper Trembath kicked three goals each for the Kangaroos.

Stars Harry Sheezel (24 disposals) and Luke Davies-Uniacke (22 disposals) stood up when it counted in the see-sawing match, while Colby McKercher continued his strong form, winning 24 disposals.

George Wardlaw, playing his second game for the season, was immense in the hectic finish, laying a crucial smother as the Blues pressed in the last two minutes.

The Kangaroos had the best of the early exchanges in both opening quarters but were made to rue a series of missed chances.

Paul Curtis kicked the side's opener after receiving a downfield free kick via the in-form Finn O'Sullivan, who was cleaned up after disposing of the ball. 

Having earned a recall after a week in the VFL, Jack Darling showed what he can still deliver, the veteran taking a courageous pack mark and converting from the forward pocket to ensure the Roos trailed by only a point at quarter-time.

Tom Powell and Zac Banch both worked hard to create opportunities but missed gettable chances.

The escapes allowed Carlton back into the game, and the Blues were 10 points ahead approaching half-time before Duursma's sensational mark and goal closed the margin to four points.

The Blues entered the game with question marks over their ability to run out a game, but they jumped the Roos after half-time, kicking three unanswered goals to carve out a 20-point lead.

Carlton spearhead Harry McKay kicked the first and last goals of the third quarter and Elijah Hollands’ influence lifted, highlighting his skill and capability at this level.

With a 22-point lead heading into the final term, the Blues just needed to hold on.

But North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson had other ideas, putting together an animated address at the final break, where he spoke strongly to his team and particularly with young defender McKercher.

The stern words seemed to have an effect, the Roos coming out and kicking the first of the final term through Trembath. Duursma kicked his third, but the two goals were matched by majors to Blues forwards Brodie Kemp and Mitch McGovern.

Carlton played out the majority of the final term without key defender Jacob Weitering after he failed a concussion test following contact to his head in a marking contest in the fourth quarter.

Following the incident, the Kangaroos forwards continued to push, Trembath kicked his third, Curtis his second and Cameron Zurhaar, who had a quiet day, scored one of his own.

With the lead within their grasp, a goal at the 28-minute mark to Sheezel put North Melbourne in front for the first time since the 13-minute mark of the second term. 

Simpkin then sealed the win with a last-gasp major, marking just the second time North Melbourne has walked away with the four points since the Good Friday SuperClash was introduced in 2017.

Good Friday SuperClash a super day for families

It’s one of the most special matches of the season when North Melbourne hosts the Good Friday game. The reverse guard of honour is a precious moment when players from both clubs cheer on kids and families from the Royal Children's Hospital as they go through the banner. There were more than a few tears shed when three-year-old Augie rang the bell prior to the game to signify that he is now cancer free. It was a beautiful moment in front of the packed house, signifying Friday's match meant more than just a game of football.

Next Up

The Kangaroos hit the road for Gather Round for one of the game's toughest assignments: a meeting with reigning premier Brisbane. The match at a sold-out Barossa Park is next Saturday, at 12.35pm. 

NORTH MELBOURNE         3.3     5.7   7.9      14.12 (96)
CARLTON                            3.4     6.4   11.7    13.8 (86)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Duursma 3, Trembath 3, Curtis 2, Larkey 2, Darling, Sheezel, Simpkin, Zurhaar
Carlton: Kemp 3, Pittonet 2, McKay 2, McGovern 2, Hollands, Newman, Smith, Walsh

BEST
North Melbourne: Duursma, Davies-Uniacke, McKercher, Larkey, Trembath
Carlton: E.Hollands, Pittonet, Kemp, McKay, Hewett

INJURIES
North Melbourne: Nil
Carlton: Weitering (concussion)

Crowd: 45,919 at Marvel Stadium