After a disappointing loss to Richmond, Werribee is back on its home deck at Avalon Airport Oval.
WHO: Werribee v Essendon
WHERE AND WHEN: Avalon Airport Oval, Saturday June 18, 2:10pm EST
COVERAGE: NMFC on Twitter | Werribee FC on Twitter | Match reports and highlights post-game on NMFC.com.au.
NMFC MEMBERS FREE: North members receive free entry upon presentation of membership card
TICKETS: Available at gate - Adults $10, Concession/Children under 15/Pensioners $5
SUMMARY
Following three losses in succession, the Tigers will be desparate to rebound against Essendon's VFL side on Saturday.
Like Werribee three weeks ago, Essendon lost away to Sandringham in their last outing.
The teams last met in the season-opener, with John Lamont's side coming from behind to win - but the Bombers now hold the advantage on the ladder and will take confidence into the return leg.
Werribee is ninth on the VFL ladder and Essendon in seventh, in what looms as an intriguing battle.
THE TEAMS
Werribee
B 2. S Sherlock 34. J Tippett 33. E Vickers-Willis
HB 3. M Sodomaco 12. J Wilson 37. W Fordham
C 42. D Mountford 11. M Hanson 25. D McFarlane
HF 74. J Anderson 91. L Hansen 6. B Speight
F 18. J Porter 56. A Black 7. J Jones
R 51. B Preuss 4. T Gribble 13. R Clarke
Int 23. B McKay 39. M Hibberd 36. J Sharp 5. I Conway 10. J Maishman 48. N Meredith 27. E Petterwood 29. J Hussey
23P 66. B Xavier
Declan Mountford could spend further time through the midfield this week.
Essendon
B 14. J Ashby 77. J Freezer 75. A Mcleod
HB 59. A Heppell 10. A Francis 57. B McNiece
C 35. Y Eades 33. J Laverde 30. K Langford
HF 19. S Edwards 56. S Michael 50. J Polkinghorne
F 45. C McKenna 37. G Nyuon 67. J Langford
R 44. S McKernan 62. D Coghlan 34. J Long
Int 58. I Muller 25. A Morgan 46. T Wallis 27. M Redman 65. D Willis 60. S Heavyside 73. C Peart 79. B Laguda
23P 76. N Holmes
THE AFL CONTINGENT
North Melbourne (Werribee)
It's not just North which will be affected by injuries to key players, with the Tigers losing several key players who've been promoted as replacements.
Werribee will be without the likes of Trent Dumont, Farren Ray and Corey Wagner for a second consecutive game, with the trio held over last week, then called up for Friday night's clash against Hawthorn.
Majak Daw will also line up for North, having played a half in the VFL on Sunday.
Jed Anderson is a handy inclusion after 12 weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, while Lachlan Hansen hit form at both ends of the ground in Werribee's loss to Richmond.
The Roos' youngsters will lead the midfield brigade, with Braydon Preuss in the ruck, and Declan Mountford and Ryan Clarke also named on the ball.
Essendon
Shaun McKernan will provide an enormous task for Preuss in the ruck, with his athleticism around the ground a feature.
Shaun Edwards is back in the side after an extended spell with the Bombers' AFL team, while Kyle Langford has been named on the wing after his omission.
Jayden Laverde and Conor McKenna could be dangerous around the big sticks.
THE VFL CONTINGENT
Werribee
Skipper Michael Sodomaco is set to play his 50th senior game when he leads the Tigers onto Avalon Airport Oval.
Werribee will rely on a strong contest from Jake Wilson in defence, while the likes of Tom Gribble and Matt Hanson will be vital through the midfield.
Michael Sodomaco will play his 50th game for Werribee on Saturday.
