Game Chat – North v Essendon

Written by Motts on April 19 2019

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 stat: North Melbourne has won 12 of the 18 matches between the clubs at Marvel Stadium, but dropped the past two games, which saw each side score more than 100 points in both.

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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32 thoughts on “Game Chat – North v Essendon”

  1. 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

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  2. Pretty shabby that you can bring someone from out of the 26 into the team. There’s other emergencies that could’ve been used.

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  3. Hoping Scott has a big game.

    Got the E on him and have Constable (who’s being rested) to do the loophole.

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  4. 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

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    1. 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!

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  5. 3 Quarter Time

    North
    Goldy 73
    LDU 47
    Scott 35

    Essendon
    Shiel 91
    Zerrett 92
    Mcgrath 76
    Ridley 49
    Ham 28

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  6. 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

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  7. 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.

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    1. 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

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    1. 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

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  8. 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.

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  9. Ecstatic with Z Merrett’s performance after RD1 and has been one of my best starting selections this season.

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  10. 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.

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    1. 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

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    2. M Crouch was unlucky to miss for me but very happy with the selections of R Sloane and Z Merrett at M4 and M5.

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