After defeating Richmond in a modern-classic two weeks ago, last week's defeat saw the Kangaroos come crashing back down to earth.

While North Melbourne played well in the final three quarters of the day, the 46-point quarter-time deficit indicated there is still plenty of work for this young list to do.

This week's opponent Essendon suffered a frustrating defeat of their own last week, however in vastly different circumstances.

Jamie Elliott's after-the-siren winner for Collingwood condemned the Bombers to a narrow loss and saw them remain in 14th on the ladder.

Both teams have had their struggles this season, although Essendon heads into this game with stronger form. Can the Kangaroos pull the wool over the eyes of their old enemy this week to have the last laugh?

Can the Roos turn around the recent head-to-head record?

While the on-field nature of the rivalry between Essendon and North Melbourne may have cooled in recent years, if you ask most North fans who they hate losing to the most, most would reply with ‘Essendon’.

That’s why the recent record against this weekend’s opponents makes for such tough reading. North hasn’t defeated the team in red and black since Round 8, 2016 for a run of seven consecutive defeats.

This match-up seems to run in phases. Before those losses North had won four in a row and six of the last seven. Taking the record back even further the Kangaroos won 14 of the teams’ 18 clashes between 2002 and 2016.

The veteran players of both sides will remember how much this clash means. The likes of Todd Goldstein, Jack Ziebell and Dyson Heppell all played significant roles in the greatest modern game between the teams - from North’s perspective - the 2014 elimination final.

North has certainly been faced with on-field struggles this season, but ending the run of defeats to the Bombers could act as a massive confidence-booster heading into next season.

How will North’s COVID cases impact the line-up?

With four confirmed COVID cases within the playing ranks earlier this week, the Kangaroos will be forced into making at least one change to its senior side for the Bombers clash, with Leigh Adams ruling young forward Paul Curtis out of the game.

For those other players in isolation, the severity of their symptoms and amount of exercise they were able to complete this week will be crucial when considering their selection for the senior side.

There’s plenty of selection pressure coming from underneath, with the likes of Eddie Ford, Jack Mahony, Kayne Turner and Charlie Comben all throwing their hands up for a senior recall in place of Curtis, while the likes of Josh Walker, Kallan Dawson, Jackson Archer, Atu Bosenavulagi and Josh Goater are all chances to come in for the suspended Flynn Perez.

Tarryn Thomas’ availability could also change the look of things in the midfield.

While the number of changes to be made for Sunday’s clash still needs to be determined, don’t be surprised if there are a few forced changes to the Kangaroos’ line-up.

Will Essendon respond to last week's heartbreak?

While the Bombers come into the side in some strong form, they’ll still be reeling after last week’s after-the-siren loss to Collingwood.

Harry Jones had the chance to put the game to bed late in the final term for the Bombers, however his long-range set shot cannoned off the post to extend their slender lead to two points.

The Magpies then went coast to coast in the blink of an eye, with veteran small forward Jamie Elliott nailing a set shot from the left pocket to condemn Essendon to defeat.

Despite the loss Essendon still comes into the clash having won four of its last six contests, so the nature of their narrow defeat to last week’s opponents shouldn’t be underestimated.

North need to be wary of a quick-fire response from an Essendon side looking to make amends for last week’s late blunder.

Who will step up at the back end of the season?

The back end of last season was a time of great hope for North Melbourne fans. Wins over Gold Coast, Carlton and West Coast showcasing the best of what this young Roos side has to offer.

The likes of Nick Larkey, Tarryn Thomas, Ben McKay and Jy Simpkin all took their games to a new level in these victories, with Larkey in particular impressing with an incredible 13 goals over the three games.

Thomas showcased his immense talent in the win over Carlton with four goals and 23 disposals, while Simpkin's performances locked down his eventual Syd Barker Medal win.

The Kangaroos will once again be looking for a set of young stars to elevate their games in the final few clashes of the season, with the likes of Tom Powell, Jason Horne-Francis and Phoenix Spicer all in contention to build a platform from which to truly break out in 2023.

There are so many young players on the current North Melbourne list who look to have key roles to play in the emergence of the side in the coming years.

This weekend, and the games to follow, are all brilliant opportunities for them to build up speed in their attempts to forge strong careers at Arden Street.