NORTH Melbourne has beaten Essendon by 12 points to break a decade-long hoodoo, but an unsavoury incident involving Tristan Xerri could lead to the star ruck spending time on the sidelines.

Xerri may be sent straight to the Tribunal after appearing to wipe his blood on the face of Essendon skipper Andrew McGrath during a fiery clash that the Kangaroos won 12.9 (81) to 9.15 (69).

BOMBERS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

In a first half littered with missed kicks, dropped marks and poor decision- making for both teams, the bizarre incident was the major talking point at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

Xerri clashed with a Bombers player midway through the second quarter, ending up with a bloody nose, before kicking a goal and wrestling McGrath. 

The ruckman appeared to reach for his nose twice, then wiped his hand on McGrath's cheek.

Asked about the incident, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson said he was unaware of what had happened.

But there was plenty to like for Clarkson, whose side led at every change and looked the stronger throughout.

Prime movers Luke Davies-Uniacke, Harry Sheezel and Colby McKercher all had more than 30 disposals through the midfield and linked up well, while veteran Luke Parker continued his strong form in the back half, gathering 33 possesions.

Clarkson was particularly pleased with Finn O'Sullivan's defensive role on Zach Merrett, who was held to just 10 disposals - his lowest possession tally since round one in 2018.

"We rate Zach very, very highly ... Finn just did an outstanding job to limit his influence," Clarkson said.

The Bombers’ recent run of poor fortune continued, with warning signs evident from the first term.

At one end, Sam Durham allowed the first of Zane Duursma’s three first-half goals to sail through, giving up on the play while waiting for a holding-the-ball free kick that was never paid.

At the other, Saad El-Hawli found himself in a goal-line tangle with Parker, with a goal going begging as the ball deflected off Parker’s head for a behind.

A Nate Caddy set shot from a tight angle outside 50 put the Bombers in front early in the second term, but the lead was short-lived.

While Essendon's intensity and defensive system looked to have improved following back-to-back 10-goal losses in their opening two games, North Melbourne was still able to transition the ball from defence to attack with ease.

The Kangaroos kicked away to lead by 36 points at the final change, and while Essendon rallied in the last quarter to peg back the margin, it never looked like winning.

The victory was North Melbourne’s first win over Essendon since 2016, with the Bombers winning the previous 12 matches between the two clubs.

The loss marks Essendon's 16th consecutive loss, and will do little to ease pressure on embattled coach Brad Scott.

"We're going through a difficult time at the moment, but we'll be fine," Scott said.

"We've got a strategy that's really clear ... there might be some short-term pain, but we're willing to endure that."

The Bombers have not won a game since the Dreamtime at the 'G match against Richmond in round 11 last season.

With an Easter Sunday clash with the undefeated Western Bulldogs looming, Essendon looks likely to extend its current losing streak to 17, tying a club record set in 2016.

The Kangaroos will meet Carlton on Good Friday, with a golden opportunity to start the season with three wins from four games.

Big X could be in big trouble
Tristan Xerri looks set to face a heavy penalty for wiping his own blood on the face of Essendon captain Andrew McGrath during a heated confrontation in the second quarter. The Kangaroos ruck initially copped the blow when he was bumped by McGrath into the path of Archie Roberts, leaving him on the deck and clutching his face. Moments later, Xerri kicked a goal from the top of the goalsquare before remonstrating with McGrath. As players from both teams came in, the Kangaroo put his hand to his nose and then wiped it on McGrath's left cheek. "That's what you don't want to see in the game," Fox Footy commentator Garry Lyon said. Former Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley was suspended for one match for smearing blood onto the guernsey of Cameron Ling in 2002.

By George, he's still got it
It's been a long wait for Kangaroos fans but George Wardlaw finally made his first appearance in 2026 after a summer plagued by injuries. The 21-year-old strained his hamstring in a VFL practice match in February, just weeks after a similar injury in the club's match sim. He was a chance to play last week against West Coast but the Roos erred on the side of caution. He was back in the thick of the action against Essendon, picking up 16 disposals, seven clearances and two tackles. After the match, Wardlaw admitted he was a "bit nervous" but got through unscathed - much to everyone's relief.

Duursma v Duursma
For the second week in a row, Zane Duursma has found himself on the opposite side to one of his brothers. Last week, he faced off against No.1 pick Willem in the loss to West Coast. On Saturday night, it was Xavier's turn. Zane got off to a flyer, kicking three goals - his best ever haul in a match - in the first half as the Roos built a commanding lead. Meanwhile, Xavier gathered 17 disposals in a solid effort for the Dons. Willem and Xavier will meet next when the Eagles take on the Bombers in round 12.

ESSENDON  2.5     4.8     5.12     9.15 (69)
NORTH MELBOURNE  3.2     7.2     12.6      12.9 (81)

GOALS
Essendon: Wright 2, Blakiston, Kako, Caddy, Caldwell, El-Hawli, Gresham, Merrett
North Melbourne: Duursma 3, Larkey 2, Trembath 2, Zurhaar, Xerri, Dovaston, Curtis, Blamires

BEST
Essendon: Roberts, Caldwell, Wright, McGrath
North Melbourne: Parker, Sheezel, McKercher, O'Sullivan, Davies-Uniacke

INJURIES
Essendon: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil

Crowd: TBC at Marvel Stadium