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The North Melbourne Kangaroos and Essendon Bombers meet at the MCG on Saturday night to decide which team will advance to the second week of the 2014 AFL finals.
The Kangaroos rested up some of their key stars against the Demons last week, and they’ll need them to be at their best if they are to leave any kind of mark on September.
Essendon on the other hand played out a draw against the Blues. The Bombers showed their class as they reeled in an early 30-point deficit, only to give up their own 30-point lead in the third term.
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The last time these sides met was in Round 1, a match the Bombers won by 39 points.
Jobe Watson was untouchable in that match, picking up 38 touches – 14 of which came in the first quarter.
Dyson Heppell (37 touches and 16 marks) and Brendon Goddard (26 touches and 3 goals) were also key in the victory.
The X-factor however was fresh Don, Paul Chapman. His four goal effort was inspiring, and something he’ll look to repeat on Saturday.
Chapman is no stranger to finals football, having won three (and a Norm Smith) with Geelong. If the game goes down to the wire, don’t be surprised to see him pop up and make an impact.
| Match | Venue | Home vs Away | Result | Disposals | Goals |
| Round 1, 2014 | Etihad | North Melbourne defeated by Essendon | 60-99 | Watson 38 | Chapman 4 |
| Round 21, 2013 | Etihad | Essendon defeated by North Melbourne | 70-115 | Greenwood 38 | Wells 4 |
| Round 20, 2012 | Etihad | Essendon defeated by North Melbourne | 76-100 | Watson 32 | Hurley 3 |
| Round 1, 2012 | Etihad | North Melbourne defeated by Essendon | 102-104 | Stanton 35 | Harvey 3 |
| Round 13, 2011 | Etihad | Essendon defeated by North Melbourne | 90-111 | Rawlings 35 | Hurley |
North Melbourne’s season has been littered with inconsistency. Throughout the year they have beaten three of the competition’s top four side in Hawthorn, Sydney and Fremantle. In contrast to that they dropped games against sides such as Brisbane and Carlton.
It then seems needless to say that if the best Roos show up on top of their game, they’ll be more than up for the challenge. It is finding that form (and holding it) that is their biggest battle.
But the quality it there. Players such as Jack Ziebell (who only managed 12 touches in Round 1) will need rise to the occasion, get their hands on the footy and contribute on the scoreboard also.
Unfortunately, entering the match without Brent Harvey means a loss of finals experience that cannot be replaced and could prove detrimental to North Melbourne’s cause.
Having Jake Carlisle stuck on the sidelines nursing a hamstring injury leaves a big set of shoes that need to be filled in the Bombers forward line. Dustin Fletcher’s presence and cool head up back will also be missed as he recovers from a broken finger.
Can the Bombers repeat their early season dominance against the Roos? Or will North Melbourne prove they can stand up and deliver on the big stage?
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the Bombers and Kangaroos do-or-die clash from 7:15pm (AEST) on Saturday night.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.