North Melbourne has fought back to claim its second win of the season, overcoming Carlton by two points at Arden Street Oval on Good Friday.

In a contest just as hot as the weather, the Kangaroos were able to overcome an early 25-point deficit to walk away with a 12.12 (84) to 12.10 (82) victory.

KANGAROOS v BLUES Full match coverage and stats

A five-goal-to-one third term saw the hosts jump out to a seven-point lead at three-quarter time, before holding their nerve to secure the win.

Player watch

Onballer Will Phillips (23 disposals, four clearances) stood up in a rotated midfield pack, competing hard at stoppages while also setting up a number of goal-scoring opportunities. The 22-year-old brought the heat with 10 tackles and showed good composure with ball in hand.

Bailey Scott (21 disposals, four marks) did his AFL selection chances no harm, finding plenty of the footy as he worked tirelessly all afternoon in the heat. The No.8 showed his versatility, impacting the contest as an onballer and on the wing, and was unlucky not to have his long-range effort after half-time sail through.

Livewire forward Cooper Harvey (11 disposals, eight marks) was a threat in a number of attacking chains, presenting as an option high up the ground and inside 50. The goalsneak's composure saw him rewarded with three goals from set shots, two of which came in the Roos' fightback in the third term.

Key defender Wil Dawson (six intercepts) caused all sorts of problems for the Blues' forwards in the air and on the ground, taking a couple of strong intercept marks to help the Kangaroos' third-term charge.

Despite only playing the first half, Robert Hansen jnr made an impact pushing up from half-forward, while Eddie Ford showed positive glimpses in his return from a hamstring injury, using his smarts to set up both of Ollie Lowe’s goals.

Skipper Darcy Macpherson (24 disposals, nine score involvements) regularly won the hard ball, and was a reliable avenue heading inside 50 with his composure.

Sharpshooter James Tarrant made the most of his opportunities in front of goal, kicking three majors including the Roos' first through a superb quick-thinking snap.

Matthew Keast (20 disposals, five inside 50s) was influential as he saw extended midfield opportunities. He competed hard for the ball while being clean with his disposal. 

Next up

North Melbourne will have a bye in Round 5, before taking on Essendon on Friday, May 2 at Windy Hill. The first bounce is scheduled for 2.05pm AEST.

NORTH MELBOURNE     3.2    6.6    11.9    12.12  (84)     
CARLTON BLUES            4.3    9.5    10.8    12.10  (82)     

GOALS
North Melbourne: Tarrant 3, Harvey 3, Lowe 2, Payne 2, Teakle, Stevens
Carlton: McMahon 4, Lemmey 3, Moir 2, Evans, Hayes, Ramshaw

BEST
North Melbourne: Macpherson, Phillips, Teakle, Tarrant, Payne, Harvey, Spiteri