Standing-room only: Carlton chief executive Brian Cook stakes Good Friday claim

Carlton chief executive Brian Cook has openly stated his desire for the Blues to become North Melbourne's long-term partner on the Good Friday stage.

With Friday afternoon's clash at Marvel Stadium already sold out, Cook contended that Carlton's drawing power had the ability to make sure the fixture remained a blockbuster for many seasons to come.

“We are quite serious about making this a longer-term event,” Cook told News Corp ahead of the all-Victorian clash.

“The fact that it's sold out is an unbelievable thing. They just have some standing-room tickets left.

“So we are expecting a crowd of 46,000 or 47,000. The purpose of our football club is also to do well in the community.”

The annual Easter weekend fixture has been part of the AFL's calendar since 2017, with each of North Melbourne, Carlton, Essendon, St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs all featuring throughout the contest's lifespan.

And while the fixture remains the brainchild of those that once walked the halls of Arden Street, the Roos have received backlash in recent times for their inability to provide an even contest, losing each of their past three matchups by an average of more than 84 points.

In spite of this lack of on-field mettle, Cook held the belief that the Shinboners deserved to continue hosting the clash due in large part to their sterling work with the Good Friday Appeal.

“I think so, I think there is a feeling of trying to do the right thing for the competition and community and North Melbourne have in the past set a real example for Good Friday. They are the leaders in this and they deserve it," he professed.

North Melbourne's 2019 fixture against arch-rivals Essendon remains the fixture's high watermark for attendance, with 48,278 Roos and Dons clicking through the turnstiles.

The opening bounce of Friday's only AFL fixture is scheduled for 4:20pm (AEST).

Final teams are scheduled to be released an hour prior.