TONIGHT’s AFL Women’s action sees a clash between a side which is desperately seeking consistency, and another which is flying through the first month of the season. We preview the clash between Carlton and North Melbourne at IKON Park.

Recent form

Carlton has had an up and down start to 2024, with the Blues’ current season ledger evenly poised at two wins and two losses.

North Melbourne, meanwhile, is flying. Despite a hiccup in Round 2 that saw the Roos draw with Geelong, they remain undefeated to start the year.

Last time they met

It was not too long ago that these sides last met, last doing battle in the opening weeks of last season.

On that particular day, the start to the match was reletively tight, but unfortunately for Carlton it could not score until the final quarter as the Kangaroos ultimately kicked away to score a 10-goal win.

Key stat areas

Carlton prefers to kick the ball more than handball it, while for North Melbourne it is very much the other way around.

Carlton has been doing better in the number of inside 50s than North Melbourne has, but the Kangaroos have been vastly more efficient inside 50.

When it comes to hitouts and clearances, North has won more taps, but Carlton boasts the better clearance figures.

However, when you break down the clearance numbers specifically, Carlton’s centre clearance numbers are better than Norths, while North’s stoppage clearance numbers are much better than Carlton’s.

Key match up(s)

Much of North Melbourne’s strength comes from and is found in its midfield, with Jasmine Garner, Mia King and Ash Riddell all so dangerous if left unchecked.

This means that it is going to be a big night for the likes of Maddy Guerin, Abbie McKay and Darcy Vescio, who have the unenviable task of keeping North Melbourne’s weapons quiet.