NORTH Melbourne has put together a strong second half to survive a scare against Essendon, running away with a 52-point victory.

The Bombers jumped out of the gates strongly and caught the Roos off guard, but North was able to get the game back on its terms, eventually proving too classy in the 12.13 (85) to 5.3 (33) win.

BOMBERS V KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

Essendon’s pressure and intensity was elite early in the game and for a moment, the Roos looked rattled. 

But rather than wilt under the pressure, Darren Crocker’s side was able to stabilise and play to its strengths.

Champion midfielder Jasmine Garner continued her superb season, amassing 27 disposals, nine score involvements, 536 metres gained and two goals.

Garner, who currently leads the coaches’ votes this year, stood tall when the heat was on and led her side superbly to its fourth straight win. 

Garner’s ability to get to work around the coalface was outstanding, her cleanliness at the contest and ball use really coming to the fore in a high-intensity affair.

Star on-baller Ash Riddell was also impressive, finding plenty of the footy in an intriguing midfield battle.

Riddell finished the clash with 32 touches, 10 score involvements and six clearances, working hard all afternoon to provide plenty of energy for her side. 

In the front half, Irish gun Vikki Wall was menacing with two goals from 20 disposals, while key forward Tahlia Randall (three goals) was also dangerous and had a serious presence in the air.

Down back, it was the underrated Eliza Shannon who got the job done, recording 17 touches, eight marks and seven intercepts, while 50-gamer Eilish Sheerin (25 disposals, one goal) was also good in her milestone match. 

Midfield maestro Maddy Prespakis led the way for Essendon once more, finishing the match with 32 disposals.

She has always been a great contested player, but Prespakis’ fitness has gone to another level in 2026, enabling her to get more involved in transition this season. 

Veteran on-baller Georgia Nanscawen (21 disposals, eight tackles) set the tone early with her pressure and willingness to lay a tackle, while Georgie Gee (21 disposals) was also solid.

Captain Bonnie Toogood (18 disposals, two goals) has led brilliantly in the face of adversity all season and never stopped trying against the Roos, while young guns Amy Gaylor and Grace Belloni can also hold their heads high after some really impressive efforts.

The win sees North Melbourne keep hold of top spot on the AFLW ladder, while Essendon’s win-loss record slumps to 1-9, but the fans would no doubt have been proud of the valiant performance their side produced this week.

Randall brings up the ton
North Melbourne key forward Tahlia Randall claimed a piece of history as the fourth AFLW player to reach 100 career goals. The two-time premiership player took a strong mark in the goalsquare late in the first term before going back to slot the goal, much to her relief. The star Roo was held to just five disposals last week against Fremantle, but it was only a matter of time before Randall brought up her century. "I actually should’ve kicked it last week, but I got a bit nervous," Randall told Channel 7 at half-time.

Prespakis’ rejuvenation continues
It’s been a grim year for Essendon fans, but Maddy Prespakis can hold her head high after an outstanding season so far. Prespakis was determined to improve her game over the off-season, putting a mountain of work into her endurance and running ability. To say that hard work paid off would be an understatement. Prespakis is covering the ground as well as she ever has, which was clear in warm conditions at Windy Hill on Sunday. The star Don, who will surely be in All-Australian discussions this year, recorded 32 touches.

Up next
North Melbourne heads to Hobart to take on the Adelaide Crows next Sunday (1:05pm AEDT), while Essendon makes the trip to Dingley to play Hawthorn (3:05pm AEDT). 

ESSENDON                         3.2   3.2   5.2   5.3 (33)
NORTH MELBOURNE 2.1   4.5   8.10   12.13 (85)

GOALS
Essendon: Bannister 2, Toogood 2, Strong
North Melbourne: Randall 3, Wall 2, Garner 2, O’Loughlin 2, Eddey, Sheerin, Weston-Turner

BEST
Essendon: Prespakis, Nanscawen, Gee, Toogood, Gaylor, Belloni
North Melbourne: Garner, Riddell, Wall, Randall, Shannon, Sheerin

INJURIES
Essendon: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil

LATE CHANGES
Essendon: Nil
North Melbourne: Claire Mahony (ankle) replaced in selected side by Abby Favell. 

Crowd: TBC at Windy Hill