Blues overrun by North as horror show continues
Shayne Hope |
Carlton’s horror run of second-half meltdowns has continued as North Melbourne kicked the last five goals of their Good Friday clash to pull off a stunning 10-point comeback win.
Under a blowtorch after a torturous start to the season, the Blues threw away a 22-point lead in the final term as the Kangaroos stormed home for a 14.12 (96) to 13.8 (86) victory at Marvel Stadium.
It gave North (3-1) their best start to a season under Alastair Clarkson, and their second win in nine attempts in their Easter marquee fixture.
The Kangaroos hit the front when Harry Sheezel kicked truly at the 29-minute mark of the last quarter and were finally home when Jy Simpkin ran into an open goal with less than 30 seconds left.
Sheezel (24 disposals), Caleb Daniel (27), Luke Davies-Uniacke (22), Finn O’Sullivan (21) and Luke Parker (20) were all influential, with Zane Duursma and Cooper Trembath kicking three goals each.
Another week of fierce scrutiny looms for Carlton and coach Michael Voss after their latest flame-out resulted in a 1-3 start to the campaign.
It was the 11th time since the start of 2024 the Blues have lost after leading at half-time.
George Hewett (22 disposals), Ben Ainsworth (21) and Patrick Cripps (21) fought hard, Brodie Kemp kicked three goals and Marc Pittonet cashed in on Tristan Xerri’s absence in the ruck.
But their efforts weren’t enough in a loss made worse when vice-captain Jacob Weitering was forced out early in the last quarter after a serious head knock.
A first half littered with errors from both sides featured six lead changes, with seven of the game’s 11 goals to that point from free-kicks or 50m penalties.
Carlton were lifted by a goal from Nic Newman, who marked his first game since 2024 in style and helped his side to a narrow three-point advantage at the main break.
The Blues kicked the first three goals of the second half to open a 20-point lead and rode the first serious challenge as North fought back.
Harry McKay (two goals) ensured Carlton took momentum into the final term with a team-lifting major after the three-quarter time siren.
Weitering suffered a gash to the back of his head and was concussed by an accidental knee from Zane Duursma in a marking contest.
North’s late fightback was irresistible as they piled on five goals in 21 minutes to claim a stunning victory.
AAP