Every Wednesday, until footy returns, we'll be heading into the archive to recap some of the great games throughout North Melbourne's rich history.

This week, we take you back to 2002, and a clash against Essendon at the MCG.

It was the third-placed Bombers, against the tenth-placed Roos, as Denis Pagan's team prepared for its first Friday night game of the season.

Over 34,000 fans were at the 'G on the eve of Winter, in a timeslot North had made its own.

Essendon had been a powerhouse over the previous couple of seasons, winning the flag in 2000, and finishing runners-up in '01, while North missed the finals for the first time, in a long time. 

The Roos boasted experience across all lines; Blakey, Martyn, Stevens, Archer, King and Rocca just some of the names in a group that also contained youngsters like Daniel Harris (11 games) and Leigh Harding (11 games).

The Bombers on the other hand had stars like Mark Mercuri, Dustin Fletcher and Scott Lucas at their disposal, while young Shane Harvey lined up for game five. 

While North was on top early, with little Brent Harvey kicking a beauty off the ground, this one was always going to be hard-fought.

Keep an eye out for the forward cameo from Mick Martyn too, booting his 16th goal in game 274. 

Check out the highlights from a memorable Friday night, thanks to Mazda.

08:24

Flashback: Round 10, 2002 (Presented by Mazda)

This week, we take you back to 2002, and a clash against Essendon at the MCG.

North went on to win 12 games for the season, finishing seventh and making it back to the finals, bouncing back from a season in which it missed September action for the first time in nine years.