North Melbourne have survived an almighty scare against a spirited Carlton, clinging on by the skin of their teeth for a 17-point win.
The Kangaroos led by 45 points midway through the second quarter but fell asleep at the wheel, conceding nine of the next 10 goals as the Blues snatched a slender lead early in the final term.
Carlton looked set to produce a comeback for the ages before Mason Wood – who was virtually unseen to three-quarter time – took a strong leading mark and slotted the set shot.
The young key forward soon had his second, taking a strong mark and kicking truly to extend the Roos’ lead after Shaun Atley’s crumbing goal.
Charlie Curnow claimed one back for the Blues before late goals to Luke McDonald and Lachlan Hansen put the 17.11 (113) to 15.6 (96) Etihad Stadium win beyond doubt.
The Roos have now won four of their past five games and can push for a spot in the top eight when they take on Richmond next week.
But it was far from a convincing victory for Brad Scott’s men, who squandered their early lead and looked flat for much of Sunday’s game.
Blues ruckman Matthew Kreuzer dominated counterpart Todd Goldstein, finishing with 46 hitouts and five clearances.
The 200cm veteran also had 18 disposals, nine tackles and six inside-50s in an outstanding all-round performance.
Prime movers Patrick Cripps, Marc Murphy and Ed Curnow were beaten early but lifted when the game was on the line, while Bryce Gibbs added three goals to his 38 disposals.
North midfielders Jack Ziebell, Trent Dumont and Shaun Higgins were influential, while Taylor Garner led the way up forward with three goals.
The Roos were dominant in the early going, cruising to a 32-point quartertime lead as Dumont, Ziebell and Higgins racked up easy possessions.
They extended their lead to 45 when Kayne Turner slotted his second after Robbie Tarrant’s intercept mark.
But the Blues responded through Matthew Wright and from there it was all Carlton – they booted seven of the next eight goals to cut the deficit to two points at three-quarter time.
Carlton looked set to produce an all-time heist but ran out of run in the final quarter, with Wood proving the X-factor for North Melbourne.
The Blues have now lost three in a row and will look to regroup after next week’s bye.
