100 per cent: Why Watson believes North will beat Carlton

Good Friday clashes between the Kangaroos and the Blues haven’t been awfully kind to North Melbourne, however on this occasion, Tim Watson believes they should be the heavy favourites.

Off the back of a strong win over the struggling Bombers, North Melbourne have commenced the season with two wins from three, and despite facing relatively average opposition, the signs of improvement have been evident.

As for Carlton, the start to their season has been far from ideal, narrowly beating the Tigers while dropping two strong leads against both Sydney and Melbourne. Just one win through three, the Michael Voss and the Blues appear far from the threat they once were.

That said, Good Friday has been a highly favourable fixture for Carlton. Across the last three Good Friday matchups between the two sides, the Blues have won by an average of 54 points, slamming home a whopping 153 points in last year’s 82-point demolition.

Despite the Kangaroos running out victorious in their most recent matchup later in the 2025 season, Carlton once again enters this year's rendition as the favourites.

But that doesn't reflect the thoughts of Watson, who is all in on the Roos ahead of Round 4.

“Good Friday, North Melbourne versus Carlton, it’s a big game for North and for Carlton but what an opportunity for North Melbourne to start the season 3-1,” Garry Lyon told SEN Breakfast.

“What do you think is going to happen here? No Tristan Xerri, Carlton red-hot favourites.”

Watson questioned: “How can Carlton be the red-hot favourites against North Melbourne?”

Lyon: “No Xerri has made a big difference.”

Watson: “It can’t disrupt the betting that much, can it?”

Lyon: “I would imagine that if he was available, that it would almost be even money.”

Watson: “North Melbourne should be favourites in this game.

“I am 100 per cent expecting North Melbourne to beat Carlton. I wouldn’t say comfortably, but I think they are a three or four-goal better team than Carlton right now.”

Lyon: “I think it’s a big test for them too. It’s all about development, and we can see their footy development, but their mentality and whether they’ve got killer vibes about them – we will see how they approach this.”

The contest is set for Friday at 3:15pm AEST at Marvel Stadium.