The Kangaroos will clash with the Bombers in the first of two Sir Doug Nicholls Round games on Sunday as they continue to pursue a breakthrough win.

It's not only a 2024 losing streak the Roos will be looking to end, but also one against the Bombers, having not tasted success against the red and black since 2016.

Round 10, Essendon v North Melbourne

Where: Marvel Stadium, Docklands, VIC
When: Sunday, May 19 at 1.10pm AEST
How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

The Bombers enter Round 10 following a statement victory over a premiership-contending side in Greater Western Sydney. They sit third on the table with just two defeats across nine games.

Captain Zach Merrett has been leading from the front, averaging 29.7 disposals, while Kyle Langford has continued to perform at a high level up forward after a breakout 2023 campaign.

They could also be bolstered by the return of intercepting defender Jordan Ridley, who is yet to play in 2024 due to injury.

What the coaches have said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson, post-game v Gold Coast: "As the game unfolded, we gave up too much of the ball through the middle of the ground and they really punished us on turnover. Then unfortunately in the last quarter we're just a bit dead on our feet."

Essendon senior coach Brad Scott on Thursday: "We're still aware that we've got a lot of work to do in a lot of areas of our game. The thing I'm pleased about is that our players are setting a really high standard for the style of footy they want to play."

Running hot

Luke Davies-Uniacke

The midfielder produced one of his best games for the season against the Suns in the Top End, finishing with a goal and game-highs for disposals (35) and clearances (nine).

After an interrupted 2023 campaign, the 24-year-old has improved his form as this season has progressed and is travelling at 27.3 possessions per outing.

He'll have an important role to play at Marvel Stadium against an Essendon midfield that ranks equal third in the competition for clearances per game.

Last time we met 

The Roos gave the Dons an almighty scare when the clubs met in Round 22 of last season, falling by nine points after a back-and-forth affair.

Up by five points at half-time, North Melbourne began to slip in the third term, conceding five goals while relinquishing the lead.

A fifth goal to Nick Larkey two minutes into the final quarter kept the belief alive for the Roos, but it was ultimately a late dagger from Archie Perkins that denied Ben Cunnington a fairytale send-off in his final AFL appearance.