AFL
  • Home
  • AFL
timer

This preview has expired.

See all our latest betting tips or suggested betting sites

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Carlton Blues AFL Betting Tips - Roos to enjoy a Good Friday in Round 4

adam-cusworth
Editor
Last updated: Tue 31 Mar 2026 09:28
The upcoming AFL clash sees North Melbourne Kangaroos aiming to improve to a 3-1 season record as they face the struggling Carlton Blues in Round 4. North Melbourne is buoyed by their positive start, including an impressive win over Port Adelaide. Their strong clearance work and a solid goal-kicking lineup are key strengths. Meanwhile, Carlton seeks to bounce back after successive defeats and is grappling with defensive and midfield pace issues. A loss to Melbourne highlighted these weaknesses. Key players for each side could significantly impact the outcome.
Adam Cusworth 31 Mar 2026
Share this article
Or copy link
  • North Melbourne aims for a 3-1 start, boasting strong clearances and attacking prowess.
  • Carlton Blues strive to rebound after their loss, hindered by defensive and pace issues.
Expired
north melbourne kangaroos
North Melbourne Kangaroos can win again (Getty Images)

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Carlton Blues Preview


North Melbourne have had a positive start to the season and can make it 3-1 by defeating Carlton in AFL Round 4. The Blues will be low on confidence after giving up a 43-point lead last week and I'm taking the Roos with the 8.5 point start or for better value and the win.

  • North Melbourne won by 11 points the last time the two sides met
  • The Kangaroos are averaging 94 points per game in 2026, while the Blues are averaging 74. 
  • Harry Sheezel has had 30+ disposals in each of the five matches he has played against Carlton
  • Paul Curtis has kicked 11 goals in his past four against the Blues, hitting the 2+ in each of those. 

Head to Head


North Melbourne claimed the most recent meeting between the sides, winning by 11 points in Round 15 last season at the MCG. The Kangaroos led by 46 points at three-quarter time and, despite failing to score in the final term, held on for the win.

Carlton had won the five matches prior to that, including an 82-point victory in the Good Friday clash last season.

North Melbourne Kangaroos 2-1 For Positive Start


North Melbourne impressed with a 46-point win over Port Adelaide in Round 1 then were disappointing when surrendering a 30-point lead in their 17-point loss to West Coast. 

That looks a bit better now with the Eagles proving that win was no fluke, and in Round 3, they controlled the game against Essendon, conceding late goals to win by 12. 

Colby McKercher picked up a game-high 35 disposals, while Luke Davies-Uniacke, Luke Parker and Harry Sheezel all had 30+. The win was built on clearance dominance. 

The Roos rank third for clearances in the early parts of the season and have improved their defence, conceding 82 points per game, an improvement on 2025 (103 points per game)

In attack, they are averaging 94 per game. Nick Larkey has booted 12 goals from his three matches, while Cooper Trembath, Cam Zurhaar and Paul Curtis have been an excellent support cast, combining for 14. 

North Melbourne Kangaroos Team News


North Melbourne will be without their gun ruckman, Triston Xerri, after the big man had a bit of a brainfade when wiping blood on an opponent. He has been suspended for the indiscretion. 

Jack Darling had a solid match in the VFL and is a chance to be recalled, while Matt Whitlock and Zac Fisher are among a number of others that will be considered. 

Carlton Blues Suffer Disastrous Turnaround Loss


Carlton were blown off the park by Sydney in Round 1, conceding 18 goals in the second half to lose by 63. 

Against Richmond, another fadeout nearly cost them when kicking just one goal to four in the second half, holding on by four. This trend continued in the loss to Melbourne last weekend. 

The Blues seem to have no answer when the momentum swings against them and their lack of midfield pace, as well as their defensive structure, has been a concern. 

Jagga Smith has provided Carlton fans with some hope. In his first three career matches he has averaged 28 disposals, while Sam Walsh has hit the 30+ in each game this season. 

The Blues are struggling to find a focal point up forward with Mitch McGovern leading the goalkicking tally with just five goals, while Harry McKay has four. As a team, Carlton are averaging just 74 points per game this season. 

Carlton Blues Team News


Harry Dean (hip) and Zac Williams (ribs) pulled up with issues out of the Melbourne match and will be assessed during the week. 

Nic Newman shows some promise in the VFL after missing last year with injury but may need more conditioning. Adam Cerra should be ready to make his return. 

Verdict

Kangas are the value play here with Sheezel and Curtis the major contributors.

Best Bet1: Match Winner North Melbourne Kangaroos @13/10 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Harry Sheezel 30+ Player Disposals @2/5 at bet365 - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Paul Curtis To Score 2+ goals @8/11 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Match Winner
North Melbourne Kangaroos
@13/10 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Hollywood bets
Harry Sheezel 30+
Player Disposals
@2/5 - 1 Unit
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365
Paul Curtis
To Score 2+ goals
@8/11 - 1 Unit
Bet £20 Get £10
Use promo code NEWBONUS

18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Bet at Star Sports

Top Betting Sites

special-offer-1Betting offers

Upcoming Events

03 Apr 2026

North Melbourne Kangaroos v Carlton Blues