v's 
Monday, April 7 (MCG - Night)
v's
North Melbourne 2.2 7.8 11.12 12.14 (86) Carlton 1.6 2.9 4.11 8.12 (60)
Goals
Nth Melb: Allison 3, Archer 2, Rock, Anderson,
Scott, Freeborn, Sholl, Daniltchenko, Bell
Carlton: Manton 2, Whitnall, Bradley, Rice,
White, Dean, Kotoufides
North Gains Respect
North Melbourne defeated Carlton by 26 points, in Monday Night Football. North was on a mission last night - to bury the myth that without Carey the team cannot win. Coach Denis Pagan stated that the players made a pact during the week to be hard at the ball, and commit their bodies. And it showed. Carlton was beaten by a more desperate and dedicated football team. The final margin of 26 points flattered the Blues.
The game was played under heavy rain, in front of 38,000 people. McKernan took his place in the side, but Silvagni missed for Carlton. As expected Greg Williams received a "welcome" from all supporters. The game was even for the first quarter, with only 3 goals kicked. Carlton was particularly inaccurate in front of goal, and despite having 3 more scoring shots, were behind at quarter time.
North's forward setup consisted of Archer, Sholl and Daniltchenko. All three worked hard to contest at centre-half-forward, creating opportunities for the smaller players. Archer provided a spark up forward in the second quarter, helping North slam through the first five goals of the quarter. Even at this stage it appeared the result was decided, as Carlton could not buy a goal. All of Carton's first half goals were the result of free kicks, showing how poor the Carlton forward line was. They were badly missing Kernahan and Spalding.
North's desperation was superb. The highlight of the game was Glenn Archer's smother. Archer contested the mark, fell to ground and Sexton ran away with the ball. Archer got up, chased and dived to smother the clearing kick, keeping the ball in North's attacking half. It typified the North spirit on the night. Stevens was superb in keeping Williams to few possessions, and then shutting down Ratten. Scott held Bradley well, and McKernan was winning around the ground. Sholl and Archer were impressive in filling in for Carey up forward.
The North backline continued to be one the team strengths. Peter Bell picked up numerous possessions in the backline, and Martyn and King dominated.
North put the result beyond doubt in the third quarter, with Brett Allison kicking two opportune goals, being well suited to the wet and slippery conditions. Sexton was the best Carlton player, but had few other teammates that supported him. Carlton's backline fumbled and made several mistakes, best shown when Ron De Iulio, kicking out from full-back, hit acting captain Anthony Rock on the chest. Rock kicked the obliging goal. The pressure of the North players caused Carlton to panic.
The final quarter saw Carlton outscore North, but it was all in vain. Carlton received a number of free kicks in the quarter, much to the outrage of the Roo fans. The majority of Carlton goals came from free-kicks. Until Carlton can work out a better forward structure, they will struggle. They are badly missing their captain, and unlike North, were unable to find substitutes. Stuart Anderson kicked the final goal of the match - a set shot from inside the centre square. The kick travelled well over 60 metres, a fantastic effort considering the swirling wind and waterlogged ball.
It was a great team performance, and the North coaching hierarchy could not have been more pleased with the outcome. A corked thigh to Craig Sholl forced him to leave the ground, and he may be in doubt for next week. Longmire spent most of the match on the bench, unsuited to the conditions, but will be a key player against Essendon next week. He is developing more confidence in his knee, and regaining match fitness.
North regains vice-captain Wayne Schwass next week for another tough game - against the undefeated Essendon.
First Quarter Goals (including time elapsed):
5:50 N - Bell
7.00 N - Allison
25.00 C - Dean
Second Quarter Goals (including time elapsed):
7.30 N - Sholl
9.00 N - Freeborn
15:00 N - Daniltchenko
19.00 N - Rock
22:00 N - Archer
26.00 C - Rice
Third Quarter Goals (including time elapsed):
5.00 C - Bradley
7.00 N - Scott
9.00 N - Archer
14.00 N - Allison
15.00 C - Manton
19.00 N - Allison
Fourth Quarter Goals (including time elapsed):
6.00 C - Manton
9.00 C - Whitnall
19.00 C - Kotoufides
24.00 C - White
26.00 N - Anderson