North Melbourne will be out to end an eight-match losing streak against old foe Essendon when the sides meet at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

Round 10's heartbreaking loss to Sydney still burns for the Kangaroos, but there were further encouraging signs in last weekend's loss to ladder-leader Collingwood, as they hung with the Magpies for three quarters after conceding the game's first four goals.

The Bombers head into this game with a foothold in the eight, and the Roos will need to find their best form to dislodge them. 

The opposition

Having ended a four-match losing streak, Essendon is back in winning form and back in the finals race. 

A one-point thriller against Richmond in week one of Sir Doug Nicholls Round was followed by a more routine 50-point win against West Coast in Perth last weekend. That returned the Bombers to the top eight for the first time since Round 6 with a 6-5 record.

Classy skipper Zach Merrett presents a challenge for interim coach Brett Ratten's side. Merrett continued his recent hot streak with 32 touches and five clearances against the Eagles. 

Also in form are Mason Redman and Nic Martin, whose smooth skills and hard running allow the Bombers to shift the ball efficiently out of defence.

Experienced midfielder Dylan Shiel missed the Eagles game with a foot injury and may return to face the Kangaroos.

Running hot

Hugh Greenwood started last weekend's game against Collingwood with a single possession in the opening quarter, but it was a different story after the break.

The former Sun and Crow was at his bullocking best in the second term, winning five clearances as North Melbourne kicked two goals for the quarter while limiting the Magpies to three.

Greenwood finished with a game-high 10 clearances, 11 tackles and 16 contested possessions.

If he can again give the Kangaroos first use of the ball on Sunday, the Bombers will have plenty of work to do.

What the coaches have said

North Melbourne interim senior coach Brett Ratten post-game v Collingwood: "Everybody (thinks it is) doom and gloom because they look at a loss beside your name, but today was a really good step. What we've seen over a period now is the performance against Sydney was full of merit and then today wasn't exactly what we wanted for the four quarters, but jeez there was a bit to take away."

Essendon senior coach Brad Scott post-game v West Coast: "I thought it was professional and we were fully understanding of what we were walking into on this trip. I would have been more concerned today if we came out thinking that we're going to try and kick 150 points and just walk over a side that's struggling mainly due to injury. They are still a good side on their home ground, so I thought it was a professional performance. But certainly not one that I will be watching the replay for fun."

Last time we met

Essendon 17.12 (114) def North Melbourne 9.12 (66) - Round 20, 2022 at Marvel Stadium

Essendon's Jake Stringer blew the Kangaroos out of the water with three first-quarter goals from midfield when the sides met in July last season.

Stringer finished with a five-goal haul as the Bombers recorded a 48-point win.

Cam Zurhaar stood between North Melbourne and a heavier defeat, kicking four goals from 18 touches and seven marks and presenting a continual threat inside 50.

Jy Simpkin tried valiantly in the midfield on his way to consecutive Syd Barker Medals, collecting a career-best 41 disposals, while full-back Ben McKay was another to hold his head high. Playing his milestone 50th AFL game, McKay kept in-form forward Peter Wright goalless during the first half and restricted him to two goals for the match.