NORTH Melbourne has been dealt a blow with key tagger Ben Jacobs a late withdrawal for Sunday's clash with Essendon.
Jacobs missed the Roos' round 14 win over the Bulldogs after showing signs of delayed concussion and has again failed to prove his fitness to face the Bombers.
The important 'run-with' midfielder has been replaced by Paul Ahern, who had been omitted for the contest.
Essendon will go into the game unchanged, with Jacobs' absence potentially seeing star Bombers midfielder Zach Merrett afforded more space to get his side going.
A win for North Melbourne would see Brad Scott's men get back into the top eight, while the Bombers need a victory to keep their faint finals hopes alive.
Essendon v North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, 3.20pm AEST
LATE CHANGES
Essendon: Nil
North Melbourne: Ben Jacobs replaced in the selected side by Paul Ahern
FINAL INTERCHANGES
Essendon: Andrew McGrath, Kyle Langford, Travis Colyer, Matt Dea
North Melbourne: Nathan Hrovat, Ryan Clarke, Paul Ahern, Tom Murphy
