North Melbourne coach Brad Scott says his AFL side have shown their character in withstanding comebacks by Brisbane and Carlton in the past two rounds.

After surviving a strong Lions surge to win by a point last weekend, the Kangaroos claimed their biggest scalp of the season on Friday night when they downed the Blues 14.13 (97) to 10.8 (68) at Etihad Stadium.

North raced to a 38-point lead midway through the second term, then refused to buckle after the Blues put on spurts of goals late in each of the second and third quarters.

The margin was reduced to eight points late in the third quarter but the Kangaroos kicked the last four goals of the match and kept Carlton goal-less in the final term to notch a deserved 29-point win.

Small forward Lindsay Thomas was outstanding, kicking 7.5 and setting up several other goals.

Scott said the win was significant for several reasons, including his side's ability to withstand huge pressure from a quality competitor.

"Twice in two weeks we've been able to come away with a win when really challenged," Scott said.

"The last two weeks, opposition players and very good players have got on top of us for periods of games ... we were able to stem the flow and fight back, which is really pleasing.

"I think it shows great character and the character which exists within this group."

Scott said it was also important to beat a side as highly-rated as the fifth-placed Blues, given the other top four contenders they have faced this season - St Kilda, Collingwood, the Western Bulldogs and Fremantle - have all thrashed them.

To do it in front of a healthy crowd of 43,732, in the club's only Friday night game of the season, amid celebrations of 25 years of the Friday night football concept they pioneered, added to his pride.

"It's the first time we've beaten a side significantly above us on the ladder, so to do that was terrific, but also it was a big stage for us and for a young side to go out and perform under pressure was great."

Carlton coach Brett Ratten lamented a missed chance to push for the top four, calling it "one that got away".

He said they had expected the Kangaroos to come out firing but had failed to match their intensity or skill.

"We knew what was coming, players were really prepared on how much motivation the Kangaroos had in celebrating 25 years of night footy ... and (that it was) a big night for them," Ratten said.

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