Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Friday, April 19, 4.20pm AEST
Last time they met: Marvel Stadium, round 15, 2018: Essendon 19.11 (125) d North Melbourne 16.12 (108)
If you wanted to see a free-flowing, high-scoring contest then this match was the one for you. Both sides had turns in front in an incredible 23-goal opening half, but the Bombers were never headed in the final two quarters. Orazio Fantasia and Shaun McKernan each booted four goals for Essendon, while Mason Wood led the Roos with three majors. Zach Merrett – with North tagger Ben Jacobs a late withdrawal – and Shaun Higgins were the most dominant performers for their sides with 32 and 31 disposals, respectively. No-one won more of the ball than Dyson Heppell’s 34.
What it means for North Melbourne: The chance to gain momentum. Last week’s win over Adelaide relieved some pressure, but back-to-back victories – over another finals aspirant – would be a significant statement after the early season struggles.
What it means for Essendon: A top-eight berth. The murmurings about John Worsfold’s job after round two would be a distant memory if the Bombers register a third win on the trot and move ahead in the win-loss ledger.
How North Melbourne wins: The Roos’ defensive efforts were vastly improved last week, including their previous problems at stoppages. Their ability to contain Essendon’s high-octane offence is the key to them backing up their round four victory, but they will likely also have to be more efficient offensively.
How Essendon wins: Bottle last week’s performance and pop the cork at the first bounce on Good Friday. That effort against Brisbane was what the Bombers need to replicate more often – and for longer in matches – if they are to live up to the pre-season hype.
The match-up: Todd Goldstein v Tom Bellchambers
Even more than usual, the midfield looms as the key to this contest, so whomever gets on top in the ruck could be the difference. Goldstein picked up coaches’ votes for his effort last week against the Crows, but faces stiffer opposition against Bellchambers.
It’s a big week for: Sam Wright
Wright will play his first AFL game for the year, replacing suspended defender Luke McDonald. With Marley Williams out, too, Wright will have the job on Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti or Orazio Fantasia. Either way, the Roos need him to limit the damage if they are to win.
Big call: Mason Wood makes Ben Brown his sidekick for the week with a five-goal haul
Mottsy’s Tip: North by 20 points
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LATE CHANGES
North Melbourne: Nil
Essendon: Zac Clarke (calf) replaced in selected side by Joe Daniher, David Zaharakis (infection) replaced in selected side by Brayden Ham
FINAL INTERCHANGES
North Melbourne: Luke Davies-Uniacke, Paul Ahern, Sam Wright, Bailey Scott
Essendon: Darcy Parish, Jordan Ridley, David Myers, Matt Guelfi
Sorry dreaming if you think norths will win this by 20, bombers by 28 my pick.
I wonder who you barrack for…
The Indian cricket team!
Yea… my bad at half time my 28 points looks wrong
Zakas been down the red light district again
Pretty shabby that you can bring someone from out of the 26 into the team. There’s other emergencies that could’ve been used.
They’ll cop a fine for it, so there is punishment for this
Hoping Scott has a big game.
Got the E on him and have Constable (who’s being rested) to do the loophole.
merrett couple of soft efforts early
Zerrett with a 53 point 2nd quarter to make up for a slow start!
Half Time
North
Goldy 60
LDU 34
Scott 21
Essendon
Shiel 65
Zerrett 63
Mcgrath 50
Ridley 32
Ham 12
Shiel going nicely….!
Oh my!
Bombers start thinking about Anzac Day soon norths will get a couple
Bailey Scottt v Atkins for M9 this week.
What score from Scott should we take? 50+?
Keep him as E… and back the guys that are playing,……is long a weekend of footy.
Any late outs, could provide invitations for donuts!
3 Quarter Time
North
Goldy 73
LDU 47
Scott 35
Essendon
Shiel 91
Zerrett 92
Mcgrath 76
Ridley 49
Ham 28
with that man bun , anderson looks like he should be lining up on a wing in the female leagues
TU – take Bailey Scott’s score
TD – field Zak Butters
41 from Scott, so go with Butters.
well , i got josh glened
scott can only muster 40 against the lowly bombers ,
that puts him in the same boat as gibbons
man the torpedoes
Bailey Scott had the choice of 3 clubs… And chose North.
North had no answers in the 2nd QTR
well 40 from Scott ain’t what I was hoping for,
who to field,
TU – Stack
TD – Atkins
need to replace constable if he is rested.
cats got a couple of players back , atkins might have a roll change , could be good or bad
stack should play off 1/2 back again
Merrett will be $600k+ after that.
Missed that boat … for now!
Me to All Saints
Let’s hope Steele comes of age and scores a big one as he would have been my upgrade to Merret
And he won’t be going lower than that all season 😉
After a slow start to the season my one trade dusty to zerrett has shone a small light at the end of a long tunnel.
Ecstatic with Z Merrett’s performance after RD1 and has been one of my best starting selections this season.
He looks like the best “Keeper”Mid starting > $550K at this stage.
M Crouch and Sloane play The Suns this week.
A big score from either one, may change that.
If it wasnt for an interrupted preseason he would have had so many more starters. I held off because of that preseason, brought him in last week however after it seemed he was fit and firing
M Crouch was unlucky to miss for me but very happy with the selections of R Sloane and Z Merrett at M4 and M5.