North Melbourne has crushed an uninspired Carlton at Marvel Stadium with their season on the line.
A relatively even first half was soon blown out as the Roos left the Blues stunned with 7 unanswered goals in the third.
Roos fans, who would be enjoying a much improved outfit, witnessed a Larkey party as Nick Larkey kicked a career-best seven goals and dominated the Blues’ defence.
Youngsters Jy Simpkin and Luke Davies-Uniacke also showcased what fans can look forward to after outstanding performances in the middle, alongside Tarryn Thomas and Jaidyn Stephenson, who shone in front of goals.
Carlton’s third quarter was their undoing, with Jonathan Brown left unimpressed with the “not up to AFL standard” and “disgraceful” efforts.
“The defensive effort, that was not up to AFL standard. That was disgraceful,” Brown said while covering the game for Fox Footy.
The quarter and 40-point deficit also marked an unwanted record in being the worst under David Teague.
Harry McKay was a late out and it was evident how much he was missed. The side seemed unorganised and having no system going forward in the absence of the forward.
But going forward wasn’t the only problem, with their defence also being a concern after conceding 46-points on defensive transition.
It was a huge win for the bottom-side, who continue to show improvement and what the future may hold.
Carlton on the other hand, with the season on the line, failed to get the job done. They will need every result to go their way if they’re any chance of making the eight.
North Melbourne’s next challenge will be Geelong, while Carlton face St Kilda next weekend in what could be a crucial game for both sides.
FULL SCORE
Carlton: 2.5, 5.6, 5.10, 11.11. (77)
North Melbourne: 3.1, 5.4, 12.6, 18.8. (116)
BEST
Carlton: Sam Walsh, Jack Newnes, Tom De Koning, Nic Newman, Patrick Cripps
North Melbourne: Nick Larkey, Jy Simpkin, Tarryn Thomas, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jaidyn Stephenson, Ben Cunnington
INJURIES
Carlton: Zac Williams
North Melbourne: Will Phillips
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