Carlton v North Melbourne Preview, Marvel Stadium

Carlton will be raring to get back on the winners list this week, when they take on North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium. The Blues have suffered back-to-back defeats against GWS and the Western Bulldogs but remain in second place heading into this weekend’s contest against the 17th-placed Roos. Carlton’s defence was well beaten by the Bulldog’s attack and was inaccurate going forward, which cost them dearly. They will most likely be without Zac Williams this week after he suffered a hamstring injury, but could regain Mitch McGovern in a huge boost to their back six. The Roos, on the other hand, were beaten by a much better Swans outfit at the SCG. North have been much improved over the last month, including a win over Gold Coast and gallant losses against Collingwood and Melbourne, so expect them to make this game a lot tighter than their ladder position suggests. Carlton won the Good Friday fixture earlier this year by 56 points and has won four of the last five meetings against the Roos.

TIP: Carlton by 35 points, Patrick Cripps 25+ disposals

When Carlton stepped onto the MCG to face North Melbourne in Round 15, few could’ve predicted the drama that unfolded. The Blues started confidently, holding a 9-point lead at quarter-time, only to implode through the second and third quarters letting in 12 goals to just three. North surged ahead, ultimately winning by 11 points. Carlton’s alarming fadeout, lack of physicality, and emotional response raised serious questions about their direction and cohesion.

For those tracking AFL Betting Tips, this result was a fine reminder of how quickly form can reverse and why it’s vital to factor in recent momentum shifts and team character. Earlier in the year, Carlton dismantled North by 82 points, yet barely a month later, the tables turned spectacularly.

When crafting AFL Tips or setting your next AFL Prediction, keep in mind Carlton’s internal fragility right now. Their on-field leadership especially during tough moments has come under fire. Jonathan Brown’s blunt observation that the team looked like they had been “bullied,” along with boos from their own supporters, shows the emotional toll that performance is already taking.

Contrast that with North Melbourne’s rise in character. Their rebuild is far from done, but players like Toby Pink, who held Charlie Curnow goalless, along with solid contributions from Harry Sheezel, Tom Powell, and Colby McKercher, signal a newfound grit and belief within the squad.

Looking ahead in the current AFL season, these themes momentum, mental strength, and response under pressure are just as important as form tables or fixture lists. Carlton’s list still boasts star power in the midfield and forward line, yet their depth and cohesion remain suspect. North, meanwhile, may not always win games—but their resilience could pay dividends in tight tussles.

As you assess matchups in upcoming rounds, remember that AFL Betting Tips aren’t just about numbers on a ladder or past point margins. Real insight comes from gauging how teams react when challenged. And right now, North has that edge: a belief that they can stand up when it matters, while Carlton needs to rediscover their fight across four quarters.