Umpires: Rowan Sawers & Kevin Smith

Goalkickers : P.Brown 4, W.Johnston 4, W.Harmes 4, P.Jones 2, M.Fitzpatrick 2, B.Armstrong 2, R.Ashman 2, P.Francis 1.

Best: R.Ashman, P.McConville, B.Doull, W.Harmes, G.Southby, W.Johnston

Reports: Nil

Injuries: Nil

Game Review

This eagerly-awaited rematch between Carlton and North Melbourne at Arden St was another clinker between the two outstanding teams of the competition. After an even first quarter, the Blues blitzed the Roos in the second term, kicking 7.5 to North's 2.5 with the aid of a freshening wind.

However, the Roos also used the breeze superbly when their chance came in the third quarter, and they added 7.2 to Carlton's 1.2 to lead by four points at the last change. The wind dropped markedly as the quarter got underway, but the rampant Blues couldn't be contained, and another 7-goal quarter by the ladder leaders brought victory by 22 points.

Ironically, Rod Ashman returned to the Carlton senior side in this clash, after standing out of football for most of the season in an unsuccessful attempt to win a clearance to the Shinboners. And just to show the Noirtherners what they had missed, "Ashy" collected 39 disposals and kicked 2.3 in a Best on Ground romp.

Peter Brown played his best game to date for the Blues at full forward. He contributed 4 goals in the first half, but then was felled heavily and stretchered off.

In other matches, a weekend of huge scores brought a few upsets. Fitzroy moved up to second with a solid win over Hawthorn, and Geelong's 10-goal thrashing of Collingwood at Kardinia Park dropped the Magpies to fourth behind North Melbourne. Essendon were fifth, 2 points clear of Geelong.

Team

Video

Cheer Squads, Highlights & Ron Barassi addressing North players at three quarter time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnmllG5kauY