North Melbourne has fallen to its sixth straight loss, despite an improved performance against Carlton on Saturday. 

Following a slow start, in which they fell behind by 23 points at the first change, the Roos fought back in the second and third quarters.

Rhyce Shaw's team reduced the margin to just five points at three quarter-time, but with rain playing havoc in the final term, couldn't hit the scoreboard with the game in the balance.  

Jared Polec (25) was a strong performer through the midfield, while Bailey Scott kicked three goals. 

Jed Anderson was hard at the contest all day and kept Patrick Cripps quiet, while Nick Larkey booted two goals in his return. Josh Walker was again impressive in a key-defensive post.  

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NORTH MELBOURNE 1.2  5.2  8.2  9.3 (57)
CARLTON 5.1  7.2  8.7  9.10 (64)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Scott 3, Larkey 2, Brown, Hall, Pittard, Polec
Carlton: Cuningham 2, Kennedy 2, Newnes 2, Casboult, Gibbons, Walsh

BEST
North Melbourne: Polec, Anderson, McDonald, Hayden, Scott, Walker
Carlton: Kennedy, Murphy, Setterfield, Martin, Walsh, Pittonet

INJURIES
North Melbourne: Nil
Carlton: McKay (knee) replaced in selected side by Moore; McGovern (hamstring)