Carlton's Jeff Garlett says discipline was the key to winning Friday night's close clash with the Kangaroos. 

Garlett finished with four goals in the nail-biting one-point win. 

He's revealed the final quarter of the match was a nerve-racking one, with North Melbourne refusing to give in.

"You could feel the pressure from the opposition. But we stuck it out and were able to keep our hands on the ball."

Garlett says maintaining pressure and discipline enabled the Blues to get over the line.

"We maintained competitiveness by putting a lot of pressure on ourselves. To put pressure on yourself helps you win games."

"We just wanted to go out there and play our game of footy, and we ended up with the right result."

As September draws closer, Garlett says his side is focused on taking it one week at a time.

"We treat every game the same. It's important that we have the right mindset."

"We can't think about finals yet. There is still a lot of football to go."

Carlton takes on the Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday. 

The Suns will be full of confidence after upsetting Collingwood in round 17, and Garlett says he's expecting another tough game. 

"We take them (each game) as though they're against Hawthorn. Every game is a hard game, no matter who we play."