North Melbourne skipper Nick Larkey won't bank on a second-half fade-out from Carlton as the Kangaroos attempt to rectify a horror record in their Good Friday marquee clash.
The Blues return to Marvel Stadium under a fierce blowtorch, having wilted after halftime in each of their opening three matches.
That alarming trend has resulted in a thumping from Sydney and capitulation to Melbourne either side of a narrow escape against bottom side Richmond.
Demons midfielder Jack Steele revealed his team had gained belief from highlighting Carlton's poor second halves as they overhauled a 43-point deficit last round.
And while Larkey admits North are "as aware as everyone else" of the Blues' form, he is adamant Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson won't use it in his planning.
"You prepare each week for the club's best rather than what they probably wish they had done differently," Larkey said.
"When they're up and going you see what they can do.
"They can put 40 or 50-point leads on sides within a very short period of time, and we've had our own momentum problems over the last few years.
"So whenever you prepare for a club you prepare for their best, and that's what we'll do against Carlton."
North are without suspended star Tristan Xerri and will lean on Callum Coleman-Jones to lead the ruck against physical Carlton big man Marc Pittonet.
The game has plenty riding on it for both clubs, with the Kangaroos out to rectify a horror 1-8 win-loss record in their marquee fixture.
Players from both clubs visited the Royal Children's Hospital during the build-up, with some of the proceeds from the match going to the Good Friday Appeal.
"You get grounded from it and hopefully you can make a difference to kids' days, weeks or years," Larkey said.
"That's what it's all about and we're lucky to be involved in it.
"It's probably our biggest game crowd-wise, so the actual game itself is really exciting to play.
"We haven't had our best performances in it in prior years but we're hoping to rectify that."
After six years in the bottom three on the ladder, North have enjoyed a positive start to 2026 and would be unbeaten if not for throwing away a five-goal lead against fellow minnows West Coast.
Larkey has shone in attack in his first three matches since being appointed Jy Simpkin's successor as captain, kicking 12.2 from 20 kicks.
"It's nice to finish the work. The boys do a lot of work to get me the ball down there and I really feel an onus to be able to finish that," the 27-year-old said.
"I have a pride in kicking straight and I've been able to do that so far.
"But we've had a bit better ball movement this year which has helped us as forwards and hopefully as the year goes on I can continue to kick straight for the team."
