Carlton has had an interesting month of football and experienced a massive build-up to its match against arch rival Essendon on Saturday night.

After a relatively even first half, the Blues smashed the Bombers into the ground in the third quarter and the game was all but over.

Sitting in fourth place, just two points ahead of West Coast on the ladder, Carlton will be looking to carry its solid form into Friday night's game against the Kangaroos and solidify its place in the top four.

For North to have a hope, the side must find a way to stop the rampaging Chris Judd.

In scintillating form, the dual Brownlow medal winner should warrant a run-with player such as Brady Rawlings, Levi Greenwood or even Jack Ziebell.

North's captain is due for a big game and no-one loves the spotlight more than Harvey - the club's first and only Friday night match could provide the ideal stage for him to put on a show.

With more attention being given to Daniel Wells and Andrew Swallow, Harvey may be afforded more room to run and create than ever before against Carlton.

With the likes of Chris Judd, Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs in the line-up, there's always going to be players who miss out on some attention. Scotland is one of those and quietly goes about his business week in, week out for Carlton.

His experience leads him to the footy and he is always among the top possession winners for the Blues. Opposition sides ignore him at their peril.

Out of contract at the end of the year, Ratten is mainstay in the football pages in the daily newspapers whether it be celebrating a win, or defending a loss.

Such is the scrutiny on a big club like Carlton, Ratten often finds himself the talk of the town. A win against the Roos may keep the critics quiet for another week but a loss will see the blow torch placed firmly on him once again.