North Melbourne stepped up a gear to emphatically shut out Carlton at Ikon Park on Saturday and book a preliminary final berth.

Starting their finals campaign in the relentless style that carried them to this season's minor premiership, the Kangaroos kept the Blues goalless for three quarters while seizing control with the game's first seven goals.

They closed out the win by 36 points, 7.7 (49) to 1.7 (13).

KANGAROOS v BLUES Full match coverage and stats

Captain Jasmine Garner was again magnificent at the heart of a dominant Kangaroo midfield, kicking an important second-quarter goal to go with 31 disposals, eight tackles and three clearances.

Libby Birch, who could have considered herself unlucky to miss out on selection in the extended All-Australian squad, continued her imposing form in the backline, winning 22 touches while making nine intercepts.

But the win wasn't without its cost for the Roos, who lost forward Alice O'Loughlin midway through the final quarter to a potential knee injury.

O'Loughlin, who has been an outstanding contributor in North Melbourne's forward line this season, kicking 11 goals, appeared to twist her knee in a tackle. 

She was helped from the ground and will be assessed by the club's medical team in the coming days. 

More to come.

Hot potato

There was been plenty of love for midfielder Jenna Bruton at Arden St during the week as the midfielder prepared to play her milestone 100th match. Fittingly, Bruton made her mark against the Blues, pouncing to snap home a third-quarter goal. Kangaroos fans joined the party as the Wiggles' 'Hot Potato' rang out around IKON Park, a reference to Bruton's upbringing on a spud farm.

NORTH MELBOURNE   0.0   4.2   5.5  7.7 (49)
CARLTON                      0.2   0.3   0.5  1.7 (13)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Bogue, Bruton, Garner, Gatt, Sheerin, Shierlaw, V Wall
Carlton: McKay

Crowd: 5028 at IKON Park