Carlton secured a big win over a struggling Kangaroos side in what was a feisty Good Friday SuperClash.
A spectacle that saw over ten million dollars donated to the Good Friday Appeal saw the Blues’ stars put on a show, winning the contest 21.11 137 to 12.9 81, dominating in an at times heated contest.
A frantic start to the game saw North Melbourne take an early lead, but it was Carlton’s tall timber that got going, spurring the Blues on to a six goal run before half time.
Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay were dynamic against a smaller North Melbourne defence, combining for 34 disposals, 15 marks and nine goals in the 56-point win.
It wasn’t without a fight from the young Shinboners, pushing the Blues all day despite conceding six 50 metre penalties.
We rated every player on the ground in an important day for charity.
CARLTON
George Hewett: A+ Influential game from Hewett. Dominated through the middle of the ground while also holding Luke Davies-Uniacke to one of his quieter games. Equal top in clearances for the Blues.
Harry McKay: A+ Putting together a stellar 2024 thus far. Presented up the ground brilliantly, looked unstoppable against smaller opposition. Ten marks, 19 touches and five strong goals and is most certainly in career-best form.
Patrick Cripps: A Played a vintage Cripps game; strong in the contest, plenty of contested footy to go with nine clearances and a fourth-quarter goal. Looking like his Brownlow-best.
Charlie Curnow: A There aren’t many people in the game that can stop Charlie Curnow. Very strong again as expected against North Melbourne’s inexperienced backline. Another four goals in a dominant display.
Adam Cerra: A Looked back to his best after a slow-ish start to the year by his standards. A team-high seven tackles.
Lachie Fogarty: B+ So underrated. Played the small pressure forward role brilliantly.
Blake Acres: B+ Played the ground well. Led the game in metres gained significantly.
Elijah Hollands: B+ A decent debut in the new colours. A few nervous touches early but grew into the game phenomenally. Hard running all day.
Jacob Weitering: B+ Looked strong on return against very good opposition in Nick Larkey.
Matthew Owies: B+ A strong second half from the small. Found space and a few loose balls, turned in 3 goals.
Matthew Kennedy: B Shared the LDU load with Hewett and held his own very well. Plenty of contested ball.
Jack Carroll: B Continuing a very good year for the Blues.
Adam Saad: B- A typical Adam Saad game. Plenty of run and carry.
Oliver Hollands: B-
Nic Newman: C+
Tom De Koning: C+
Corey Durdin: C+ Did well with two goals before being tactically subbed off after three quarters.
Jordan Boyd: C
Zac Williams: C
Mitch McGovern: C A few fumbles and a few costly mistakes but overall, a decent game.
Matthew Cottrell: C
Caleb Marchbank: C- Looked rusty early with a few unnecessary free kicks.
Orazio Fantasia: N/A Subbed on for the final quarter.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Harry Sheezel: A Star. Plenty of footy as expected, used it extremely well. Had a few centre bounce attendances and did not look out of place.
George Wardlaw: B+ Growing into a very handy player. Unable to massively influence the game but some impressive signs from last week’s Rising Star nominee.
Nick Larkey: B+ Limited opportunities but slotted them when they arrived. Finished with three goals.
Tom Powell: B Putting together a strong campaign in 2024, another good outing in the guts.
Paul Curtis: B Very lively, worked hard to keep the ‘Roos in the game with three goals.
Luke Davies-Uniacke: B A tough start for LDU but an impressive fight back. George Hewett got the better of him through the centre, as he went without a clearance in the first half. His 12 touches in the third quarter were very impressive.
Zac Fisher: B- Looked to get things going for North, plenty of run and carry.
Colby McKercher: B- Another strong showing for the young gun. Oozes potential deep in the back half.
Jy Simpkin: B- Looked okay through the midfield.
Tristan Xerri: B- Looked strong in the ruck against very athletic competition in De Koning. Led the game with ten clearances.
Cameron Zurhaar: C+ Tough one to grade. Looked physically fantastic but made some rash decisions with the footy in hand.
Eddie Ford: C+ Came on as the sub in the second quarter and bagged a couple.
Bailey Scott: C+ Able to clean up at times in the defensive 50, although there was not much he could do to stop the Blues’ run.
Luke McDonald: C+ Displayed his leadership amongst a young backline.
Dylan Stephens: C+ Looked sharp off the wing.
Toby Pink: C Had arguably the toughest matchup in football and didn’t do terribly. Held his own on occasions.
Zane Duursma: C A quiet outing for the youngster, with a few good moments.
Charlie Lazzaro: C
Aidan Corr: C- Unable to halt Carlton’s talls in the back half.
Darcy Tucker: C-
Kallan Dawson: C-
Jaidyn Stephenson: D Very little impact.
Callum Coleman-Jones: N/A Extremely unfortunate with what looked like a serious Achilles injury.
North Melbouren are set to face Brisbane in a clash for a first victory, while the undefeated Blues will take on a hot Fremantle side in next weeks' Gather Round.