SUMMARY
If Essendon is serious about returning to the finals, this is a game the Bombers can't drop. John Worsfold's side has its fate in its own hands after claiming an important win over fellow top-eight contenders St Kilda last week. Essendon exposed the Saints for pace, and showed the Bombers have too many options in attack for most teams when up and going. But stringing together wins has been the problem for Essendon over many years, and after dropping games to lowly-placed Carlton and the Brisbane Lions this season, the Bombers are hard to trust. North Melbourne has the wood over Essendon in the recent past, but is in a form lull and sitting second last on the ladder. However, the Roos could severely dent their rivals' finals hopes with a win at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon and it wouldn't be this season's biggest shock.
Follow it LIVE: Bombers v Kangaroos
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, July 22, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2016, North Melbourne 10.14 (74) d Essendon 8.12 (60) at Etihad Stadium
R16, 2015, North Melbourne 14.9 (93) d Essendon 9.14 (68) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2015, North Melbourne 13.15 (93) d Essendon 12.10 (82) at Etihad Stadium
2EF, 2014, North Melbourne 14.9 (93) d Essendon 12.9 (81) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2014, Essendon 15.9 (99) d North Melbourne 9.6 (60) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. When the teams last played, in round eight last season, Essendon had kicked only four behinds to half-time. They went on to kick eight goals to two after the main break to lose by only 14 points.
2. There is a contrast in styles between the teams. Essendon loves to use the ball by foot and ranks second in the competition for kicks (223.7 a game) compared to North Melbourne, who sit last for average kicks (187.8 a game).
3. Whether it is because they have put an emphasis on pressure or just have been chasing the opposition more this season sitting second last on the ladder, North rank second in the League for tackles (averaging 73.7 a game). Essendon averages 64.8.
4. North holds a strong record against the Bombers at Etihad Stadium, winning 12 of their 16 games at the venue, including five of the past six. North has lost eight of 10 Etihad games in 2017.
5. Essendon is yet to win three games in a row this season. It has claimed back-to-back wins twice this year before falling over at the third hurdle. The Roos are in the middle of a down patch, having lost their past six games.
6. Joe Daniher's progression is reflected in the Schick AFL Player Ratings board. Essendon's leading goalkicker started this season ranked at No.190 in the competition, but is now on the verge of breaking into the top 100 for the first time, placed at No.102.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Todd Goldstein
The North ruckman is in a form slump and comes up against Essendon big man Tom Bellchambers, who has been impressive since returning to the Bombers' line-up. Bellchambers kicked two goals last week against the Saints to keep up his average of a goal a game this season.
PREDICTION: Essendon by 35 points
