The Roos will take fond memories of the corresponding clash in 2012 where they defeated the Bombers by 24 points in an against-the-odds victory.
Teams
North Melbourne
B: Lachlan Hansen, Scott Thompson, Aaron Mullett
HB: Jamie Macmillan, Nathan Grima, Shaun Atley
C: Ryan Bastinac, Daniel Wells, Sam Gibson
HF: Leigh Adams, Robbie Tarrant, Brent Harvey
F: Lindsay Thomas, Drew Petrie, Aaron Black
Fol: Todd Goldstein, Ben Cunnington, Jack Ziebell
Int: Brad McKenzie, Sam Wright, Ben Jacobs, Luke Delaney
Emer: Levi Greenwood, Taylor Garner, Will Sierakowski
In: Nathan Grima, Brad McKenzie
Out: Taylor Hine, Taylor Garner
Essendon
B: Michael Hibberd, Tayte Pears, Kyle Hardingham
HB: Mark Baguley, Cale Hooker, Brendon Goddard
C: Heath Hocking, Jobe Watson, Lauchlan Dalgleish
HF: Joe Daniher, Stewart Crameri, Dyson Heppell
F: Nick Kommer, Jake Carlisle, Alwyn Davey
Fol: Tom Bellchambers, Jake Melksham, Brent Stanton
Int: David Zaharakis, Nick O’Brien, Leroy Jetta, Ben Howlett
Emer: Nathan Lovett-Murray, David Hille, Elliott Kavanagh
In: Joe Daniher, Lauchlan Dalgleish, Nick O’Brien, Leroy Jetta, Stewart Crameri
Out: Patrick Ryder, Scott Gumbleton, Dustin Fletcher, David Myers, Jason Winderlich
Key matchup
Sam Wright v Brendon Goddard
While the matchup is yet to be confirmed, Wright performed an excellent shut down job on Goddard the last time they met.
Goddard was a Saint at that stage in 2012, and Wright minimised his influence before kicking a sealing goal late in the game.
In recent weeks Goddard has been rounding into something approaching his best form, capped off by his 27-disposal, 3-goal game in Round 20 against West Coast.
Tall defenders
North goes into Saturday’s clash with a taller backline than normal; Grima, Luke Delaney, Hansen and Thompson are all key position height.
It leaves the team well placed to counter the likes of Crameri, Daniher and company but Essendon’s smalls could have more room to move in its forward 50.
On the quick Etihad Stadium surface, it makes for a fascinating tactical battle.
Under the radar
North Melbourne
Ben Cunnington
Surprisingly overlooked from AFL.com.au’s 28-man Under 23 All-Australian squad during the week, the 22-year-old continued his fine form against Adelaide.
Another nine clearances against the Crows took Cunnington’s tally to 120 for the year, leaving him ranked fourth in the competition despite having missed two games.
Essendon
Michael Hibberd
Entrenched in the Essendon side off half-back, Hibberd has been an integral part of the Bombers’ run and carry from the defensive half without receiving too many kudos in the wider footballing world.
Ranked third at the Bombers for total disposals, Hibberd has the capability to run off the North small forwards if they don’t pay close attention to the left footer.
Missing in action
North Melbourne
Cam Delaney – Toe – Season
Max Warren – Collarbone – Season
Andrew Swallow – Achilles – Season
Mason Wood – Knee – Season
Tom Curran – Foot – Season
Majak Daw – Knee – Season
Essendon
Michael Hurley – Ankle
Jason Winderlich – Hamstring
Courtenay Dempsey – Hamstring
Hal Hunter – Ankle
Marty Gleeson – Shoulder
Where it will be won
As illustrated in this week’s Scouting Report, the last three sides to beat Essendon (Collingwood, Hawthorn, West Coast) have been able to restrict the Bombers’ uncontested run, an area that was unquestionably elite in the first half of the season.
The flow on effect from restricting uncontested run has limited Essendon pumping the ball inside 50.
In recent weeks North has excelled in limiting opposition scores once inside 50. In theory if the Roos can restrict the ball from going in the area enough, its defence will be able to do the rest and restrict the Bombers to a manageable score.
