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Sport Nation
Find your Sport Nation frequencyIs Clarkson the right man for the job?
Jaiden Sciberras • April 18th, 2025 8:21 pm
Carlton have dominated the Kangaroos, claiming a comprehensive 82-point victory in the annual Good Friday clash.
Heading into the game, SEN's Garry Lyon believed that North Melbourne should be considered the favourites if the club has made any real progress.
That was very quickly disproven, as Carlton piled on their highest score against the Kangaroos in 40 years.
Here are the key talking points from North Melbourne's poor showing at Marvel Stadium.
CLARKSON FAILS TO FIRE
Many expected the Kangaroos to turn a leaf in 2025.
Conceding another 100-plus points, Alastair Clarkson simply cannot spark anything out of this North Melbourne list.
After signing Luke Davies-Uniacke on an expensive long-term deal, marking yet another extensive contract, North Melbourne failed to provide any difficulty even for a struggling Carlton side.
With the list locked in long-term, is Clarkson the man to carry them through their already substantial rebuild?
Michael Voss will be safe for another week following the Blues' comprehensive win, however it's seems inevitable that Clarkson will be under the microscope.
FLAWLESS FIRST-HALVES
Following a seven-goal to two first quarter, Carlton went into the main break with a 20-point lead, marking the Blues’ sixth first-half win in a row.
Yet to be behind at half time this year, it’s no secret that the Blues have played their best football within the first two terms.
In saying that, an overwhelming second half to put the game to bed early will have Blues fans hoping they've seen the last of their late-game woes.
INJURY CONCERNS
In extremely unfortunate news, Kangaroo and former Blue Zac Fisher left the ground in the second term with an expected hamstring.
In just his second game back in the senior side, the 26-year-old appears likely to miss a portion of the season after being substituted out of the contest within minutes of the incident.
Fisher will be a big loss for North Melbourne’s approach to moving the ball off the back flank after collecting 27 disposals in his return last week.
This is Fisher’s fourth hamstring injury within his 127-game career.
In very concerning news for the Blues, Jacob Weitering left the ground early after a defensive contest in the final term.
The leg concern was assessed by the club, with Weitering not returning to play.
ALL-AUSTRALIAN HEWETT?
Even within Carlton's four straight losses, Blues fans came to expect a standout performance from Carlton's George Hewett.
It's no question that Hewett was Carlton's best on ground, looking genuinely unstoppable from the first bounce to the final siren.
As classy as it gets, Hewett finished up with a whopping 34 disposals, 12 clearances, nine tackles and a goal.
SMALLS DELIGHT
Why hasn’t Corey Durdin been in the side?
Carlton’s small forward options have been a clear issue throughout the opening rounds of this season, with the absence of the departed Matt Owies significantly limiting the smalls’ scoreboard damage.
Durdin’s return to the side has been a difference maker, booting four in his return against the Eagles followed by two against the Roos, highlighted by a super mark and both majors coming in the first term.
Jesse Motlop has also lifted his game, booting three goals and collecting 13 touches in what can be considered his strongest performance this year.
Four majors for Zac Williams and a strong showing from Lachie Fogarty, the Blues smalls answered when called upon, highlighted by immense forward pressure and a huge impression on the scoreboard.
WARDLAW'S WELCOME RETURN
George Wardlaw made his first appearance in 2025, and what a return it was.
The former No. 2 pick was phenomenal through the middle of the ground, remaining clean and composed while keeping with the pace of the game despite his interrupted pre-season.
"There is something significantly better about this North Melbourne team with the boy Wardlaw in it," Gerard Healy said on the AFL Nation call.
"He is a gun."
Wardlaw finished the contest with 21 disposals and a goal, proving a shining light in a dark North Melbourne day.
KEY FORWARD CRIPPS
Patrick Cripps has seen a notable increase in game time forward of centre and the Blues are reaping the rewards.
The skipper’s frame proves a difficult matchup for opposition defenders while also providing a very effective target, particularly in the absence of Harry McKay and Brodie Kemp.
Three goals last week and another this week, the shift appears a good one from Michael Voss.
THE KIDS CAN PLAY
Carlton's newest inclusions have shown plenty since being handed their chance at the senior level.
Will White bagged three goals in his third game for the club and 19-year-old Matt Carroll set up two majors off his darting left boot, both showing serious promise and heart just as the Blues were crying out for some true intent.
It's safe to say their recent inclusions have well and truly paid off.
A nine-day break allows the Blues to reset before facing an in-form Geelong side next Sunday, while North Melbourne have plenty to prove as they travel to Adelaide to take on the Power next Saturday.
