WHO: Essendon v North Melbourne
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday May 14, 1:45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Broadcast guide
TICKETS: Purchase tickets
THE LAST FIVE
R16, 2015, North Melbourne 14.9 (93) d Essendon 9.14 (68) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2015, North Melbourne 13.15 (93) d Essendon 12.10 (82) at Etihad Stadium
2EF, 2014, North Melbourne 14.9 (93) d Essendon 12.9 (81) at the MCG
R1, 2014, Essendon 15.9 (99) d North Melbourne 9.6 (60) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2013, North Melbourne 17.13 (115) d Essendon 9.16 (70) at Etihad Stadium
SUMMARY (AFL.COM.AU)
North Melbourne's unbeaten start to the season almost came to an abrupt end last week when St Kilda charged home in the final term, but the Roos held on to claim their seventh successive victory. The Kangaroos are finding a way to win even when not at their best and should extend their run of wins against Essendon, who who lost five games in a row since its surprise win over Melbourne in round two.
The Bombers were competitive in the first half against the Sydney Swans last week at the SCG, but fell away in the second half and conceded 13 goals to two to lose by 81 points. John Worsfold continues to give youngsters opportunities and they should learn plenty again from taking on the ladder-leaders at Etihad Stadium.
Majak Daw is in for his first game of 2016.
THE HEADLINES
Higgins out
North Melbourne could be without Shaun Higgins for up to 12 weeks with the forward requiring surgery… MORE
Ray promoted
Farren Ray has been promoted to North’s senior list for the second time in 2016… MORE
Harvey on the clock
“I don’t mind it. The rules say Mason should have done that and he did, which I’m very, very thankful for.”… MORE
TEAMS
North Melbourne
Backs J.Macmillan 34 R.Tarrant 25 L.McDonald 21
Half Backs N.Dal Santo 15 S.Thompson 16 S.Atley 18
Centreline S.Gibson 43 A.Swallow 9 B.Jacobs 5
Half Forwards B.Brown 50 J.Waite 30 R.Nahas 28
Forwards B.Harvey 29 D.Petrie 20 L.Thomas 12
Followers T.Goldstein 22 B.Cunnington 10 J.Ziebell 7
Interchange B.McKenzie 2 A.Mullett 17 M.Wood 32 M.Daw 38
Emergencies R.Clarke 13 T.Dumont 14 F.Ray 44
In: L.Thomas , M.Daw , B.McKenzie
Out: D.Wells (Quad), M.Firrito (Managed), S.Higgins (Knee)
Essendon
Backs M.Dea 49 N.Grima 55 M.Baguley 12
Half Backs J.Kelly 47 M.Hartley 36 B.Goddard 9
Centreline O.Fantasia 13 D.Zaharakis 11 Z.Merrett 7
Half Forwards C.McKenna 45 M.Brown 28 P.Ambrose 29
Forwards K.Langford 30 J.Daniher 6 M.Redman 27
Followers M.Leuenberger 22 A.Cooney 17 C.Bird 24
Interchange D.Parish 3 A.McDonald-Tipungwuti 43 J.Polkinghorne 50 R.Crowley 51
Emergencies J.Merrett 20 J.Gwilt 42 S.Michael 56
In: P.Ambrose, K.Langford, D.Parish, C.McKenna
Out: C.Dempsey (Hamstring), J.Simpkin (Hamstring), J.Gwilt (Rested), S.McKernan (Quad)
Nathan Grima will play his first game against his old side.
THE COACH SAID
THE SIX STATS (AFL.com.au)
1. The Bombers rank second in the competition for uncontested possessions, averaging 268 a game so far in 2016. But the Dons are last for contested possessions, showing their lack of experience at the stoppages.
2. North Melbourne will record its best start to a season since 1978 with a win over the Bombers. That year the Roos won their first eight games of the season and went on to make the Grand Final, which they lost to Hawthorn. Only two sides since 2004 have started 8-0 and failed to reach the Grand Final.
3. The Roos have had the better of the Bombers at Etihad Stadium, winning 11 of 15 games at the venue. The last time Essendon knocked over North was in round one, 2012.
4. David Zaharakis is in career-best form. The Essendon midfielder has stepped up in the absence of many of his senior teammates, and is averaging 30 disposals a game.
5. Todd Goldstein was the difference last time these teams met in 2015. The star Kangaroos ruckman had 27 disposals, kicked a goal, had 56 hit-outs and won the three Brownlow Medal votes in an outstanding display.
Todd Goldstein will come up against Matthew Leuenberger this week.
THE BURNING QUESTIONS
What does Higgins' loss mean?
Saturday's clash against Essendon will see North take the field without classy half-forward Shaun Higgins, who had surgery on Wednesday to repair the meniscus tear in his right knee he injured against St Kilda last Sunday. The 28-year-old appeared to have escaped serious injury after returning to the field at the start of the final term, but scans later revealed the full extent. Higgins' 12-week absence will give fellow small forwards a chance to impress, with Lindsay Thomas to return against the Bombers after serving his one-game suspension, recently promoted rookie Robbie Nahas playing his first game for the season last week, and injured livewire Kayne Turner about three weeks away from making his comeback from a hamstring injury.
How will 'Narni' go?
Former Roo Nathan Grima made his debut for the Bombers last week against the Sydney Swans after signing as one of their 10 top-up players for the season. His signing caught many by surprise, particularly given he was forced into retirement last year after requiring a third back operation. To his credit, Grima has worked hard in the off-season, is in great shape and was rewarded accordingly with his first game for the Dons. Grima will match up against his former teammates in what would've seemed unimaginable just a few months ago, and it'll be fascinating to see how the North fans react when he has the ball. Let's just hope Grima doesn't get too confused in the Bombers' defence and accidentally turn the ball over to his ex-teammates!
Baguley the goalkicker?
Bombers vice-captain Mark Baguley spent the entire match against the Swans last Saturday in the forward line, away from his customary role in defence. It'll be worth keeping an eye on whether Dons coach John Worsfold persists with Baguley in his new-found position against the Roos, or perhaps even use him as a swingman at times during the match. Although Baguley didn't trouble the scoreboard against the Swans (he finished with three behinds), Worsfold was most pleased with the 28-year-old's defensive pressure inside the Bombers' attacking 50.
Will record run continue?
The undefeated Roos have a chance to register their best start to a campaign in 38 years with a win over Essendon. In that season in 1978, North won its first eight games, before losing to Carlton by 58 points at Princes Park in round nine. They went on to make the Grand Final after their blistering start but lost to Hawthorn by 18 points in the '78 decider.
North hasn't won its first eight games since 1978.
