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.
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
| 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.
Stephen
Guest
Didn't quite work out that way, did it? You joke!
Stephen
Guest
Excellent Henry if north don't turn up.
Bobbo7
Guest
It's not tired because the perpetrators of the drugging at the club remain there. As long as Hird is there the tag stays.
david
Guest
The bombers also get to train on a mcg size oval every week where north have only been on the G twice this year! 65% red and black 35% blue and white with hopefully 80,000 Home ground advantage to the bombers.
Bobbo7
Guest
They probably have had all the peptides in the world. With Hird they drug
Milz
Guest
So are Essendon going to take the same route as Cronulla and take a poultry three weeks suspension? BTW, judging from your comments I bet you are a bit "mentally fragile", Keep eating the marshmallows, they are doing your figure well! Go Kangas!
Anthony
Guest
How many goals did Carlisle kick in Rd 1? You said that they "won't kick double digit goals"... Yet, if Daniher kicks 2-3, Ryder kicks a pair and Bellchambers, Winderlich, Chapman, Zaharakis and Goddard etc all chip in then I think you have a winning score. Our defense is better than theirs. Once we have a run-on in a quarter, we are near unstoppable. Refer to Hawks 3rd qtr, Cats 3rd qtr, Eagles 3rd qtr and Blues 2nd qtr. throw in Anzac Day first qtr as well, but I'd rather that happen in the premiership qtr.
Cat
Roar Guru
Whats so wrong about my comment, since you allegedly know so much. 7 times this year Essendon has failed to kick 70 points in a game. They go into this week without their number 1 goal kicker so where is their scores going to come from so tell me again why its so surprising that I would expect Essendon to kick a low score?
Danny D
Guest
Geez, "drug team" comments are getting very tired now. Usually quoted by morons who don't know a heap about footy. Not dissimilar to the 'small man syndrome'. Speaking of the term, this will hurt North this week not having Harvey out there to get them over the line as not a lot of players there have finals experience! I don't discount North's ability at all but they are mentally fragile and you would think the stage this week might get the better of them. The dons haven't shone away from pressure this year and you wouldn't think they will start now, especially after the sanctions they received last year. No doubt that'll get a mention in Bomber's quarter time spray! Should be a good game and ill have my red and black scarf in one hand and my packet of marshmallows in the other piffing them at the screen everytime brad scott opens that mouth in protest! Carn the BOMBERS!
Bobbo7
Guest
Hope the 'experimental drug' team get belted.
Duncan
Guest
It's a real toss of the coin for me but think who ever wins it won't be close. Hope Norths get through as unlike the other three sides outside the four they would be a fifty fifty chance at winning the comp from there there such a momentum side and their a game is as good as anybody's in saying that though they could easily decide not to show up and get flogged by sixty points. Just want to see a free flowing match and lets hope the umpires put the whistle in their pockets
Pope Paul vii
Guest
Followed Aussie rules all me life and North and I'm a fan of the term kick off too.
Anthony Maguire
Roar Rookie
You're regularly surprised Gene. You really know little about football.
Milz
Guest
Go roos.
Cat
Roar Guru
I'll be surprised if Essendon kick double digit goals.
Milz
Guest
You can have all the peptides in the world and you still won't win. Go North!
james
Guest
Go bombers ! Think you might see a big essendon win Saturday night..
Milz
Guest
Yep, knew what I was saying was erroneous, but "first bounce" doesn't roll of the tounge like "kick-off".
Milz
Guest
Good to see so many Kangas fan on The Roar. I thought I was the only one.
Perry Bridge
Guest
Forgive me - but, no 'kick off'. First bounce is 7:15 pm on Saturday evening. (Melbourne time).