Searching for a 3-1 start, North Melbourne hosts Carlton in the Good Friday SuperClash this week.

The Roos knocked over Essendon last Saturday but know they'll need an improved performance if they're to topple the Blues in front of a packed house at Marvel Stadium.

Round 4, North Melbourne v Carlton
When: Friday, April 3 at 3.15pm AEDT
Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC
How to watch: Channel 7, 7plus, Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

The pressure is already mounting on the Blues, with just one win from their first three games of 2026.

Second-half fadeouts have become a worrying trend for Michael Voss’ side, the latest coming at the MCG on Sunday when Carlton surrendered a 43-point lead against Melbourne to fall to a 23-point defeat.

Early on though, they’ve looked sharp. Across their opening three matches, the Blues boast a +71 first-half differential, proof they can take control and cut teams apart when things click.

Carlton will be without young gun Harry Dean (concussion) and Cooper Lord, who will miss again through illness. Wade Derksen has been called upon to make his AFL debut, while midfielder Adam Cerra is a chance to return.

Running hot

Not only was Finn O'Sullivan able to curb the influence of star onballer Zach Merrett in the club’s 12-point win over Essendon, but he also had a career-best night himself.

The No.2 racked up personal bests for disposals (24) and contested possessions (11) to go along with a pair of goal assists.

'FOS' is starting to come into his own, and close eyes will be on the youngster when to see who he lines up against on Good Friday.

What the coach has said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson on Wednesday: "I'd probably rather (Carlton had) won 10 on the trot and won them all by 10 goals, than face them when they're trying to rebound from a game where they would think they should have had that game wrapped up just after half-time. 

"So, we know we're in for a fierce contest, but it's not really about Carlton.

"I just see a proud footy club, a proud coach and a group of guys that are trying their darndest to get themselves into the contest for as long into the game as they possibly can."

Last time we met

An inspired second-quarter surge propelled North Melbourne to an 11-point win over Carlton at the MCG in Round 15 last season.

Just 64 days after outclassing the Roos by 82 points on Good Friday, the Blues went goalless from midway through the first quarter until 10 minutes into the third term.

Midfielders Tom Powell, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Harry Sheezel were all dominant for the visitors, as was Colby McKercher who booted two goals from 29 disposals.

Key defender Toby Pink had a standout afternoon, putting the clamps on then-Carlton forward Charlie Curnow.

Good Friday SuperClash selling fast!

Kangaroos members are reminded this week's Good Friday SuperClash game against Carlton is a fully ticketed event. This means members must redeem a FREE ticket to the game. Or, you can choose to upgrade to a more premium seat for an additional cost.

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