The Essendon Bombers have defeated the North Melbourne Kangaroos by 27 points, with the Bombers skipping away in the fourth quarter to claim victory.
Final score
Essendon Bombers 20.12 132
North Melbourne Kangaroos 16.9 105
The Essendon Bombers are looking to jump up into the top eight when they take on a North Melbourne Kangaroos side in the midst of a losing streak. Catch all the live scores, highlights and action on The Roar from 1:45pm (AEST).
The Bombers have the chance to jump into the finals equation with a win today and as high as sixth place if they can pile on the pain for the Kangaroos.
Currently sitting in 10th, Essendon are coming into this one with back-to-back wins next to their name.
A destructive 61-point win over the Saints last week has kept them in touch with the finals and now leaves them firing towards September footy.
For the Kangaroos, things aren’t looking so good.
They are on a devastating six-game losing streak and sit alone in 17th with just four wins for the year from 16 games.
They were absolutely trounced last week, managing just eight goals to 19 in a 70-point loss to the Power.
Their finals hopes are long gone at this point and they are one of just three teams in the league to conceded an average of over 100 points a game.
In better news for the Roos, they have actually won their last four clashes against the Bombers dating back to 2014 and have come out on top in 12 of the last 16 at Etihad.
Team News
The Bombers welcome back Jobe Watson after the veteran was rested for last weeks game, while Jayden Laverde also returns after an ankle injury and a strong performance in the VFL last week.
Josh Green has been ruled out for the Bombers with a hamstring injury, joining Craig Bird as the two omissions for this week.
For the Roos, coach Brad Scott has made five changes to his side, dropping out of form ruckman Todd Goldstein for the clash.
Injuries have played their part with Jack Ziebell, Corey Wagner and Mitch Hibberd all being left out with niggles, ankle and shoulder issues respectively.
This opens the door for Trent Dumont, Nick Larkey, Ryan Clarke, Sam Durdin and Jarrad Waite to all come into the side.
Prediction
The Bombers aren’t on top of the world right now but are finding some form and have the finals within reach.
The Roos, on the other hand, are limping their way through the middle of the season, just trying to avoid the wooden spoon.
This will be another tough outing for North and they could be looking at a seventh loss on the trot as the Bombers fly into the top eight.
Essendon to win by 28.
Join The Roar for live coverage from 1:45pm (AEST).
Swanny
Guest
Good future ahead with Ben brown leading the kangas to glory . No need to go buy superstars like Sydney and Geelong do
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Thanks for the comments Connor. Did the Essendon fans manage to whinge their way to the front on the free kick count?
Swannies
Guest
Swans should make Brown an offer to leave North. He would be a good replacement for Buddy in a few years.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Good little game. Big Brownie awesome.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Connor Bennett
Editor
FULLTIME The final siren sounds and the Dons take the 27-point win in a highly entertaining win over the Roos. An 81-point second half catapulted the Bombers ahead of North after a thrilling opening three quarters that couldn't separate either side in an undulating contest. Ben Brown kicked 6 goals for the Roos in a game that saw five players kick at least 3 goals or more. Essendon 20.12 (132) Kangaroos 16.8 (105)
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' GOAL KANGAROOS!! With 20 seconds on the clock and trailing by over 30... the Roos kick the definition of a consolation goal to pass the 100 mark. Essendon 20.12 (132) Kangaroos 16.8 (105)
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' GOAL BOMBERS!! Well, Ben Brown just levelled Buddy Franklin at the top of the Coleman race in this quarter... and now he's joined by Joe Daniher who hits his second of the day, snapping from 40 metres out and the ball bounces through. Daniher, Franklin and Brown all on 47 goals for the season. Essendon 20.12 (132) Kangaroos 15.8 (98)
Craig
Guest
Very ordinary from the bombers. Should've won by 70+ if they turned up and had a decent fist half.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' James Stewart looking for his third of the day... but can't quite find the accuracy and picks up a behind. Essendon 19.12 (126) Kangaroos 15.8 (98)
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' GOAL BOMBERS!! Zaharakis adds to the pain for the Roos with their sixth goal of the quarter as they push the lead back out to 27 in the dying minutes. Essendon 19.11 (125) Kangaroos 15.8 (98)
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Still 21 points in it. A bit too much for the Roos you'd think with the clock winding down. Essendon 18.11 (119) Kangaroos 15.8 (98)
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' GOAL KANGAROOS!! Ben Brown, one of the best on field today, sinks his 6th goal of the afternoon! He's been sensational from the set shot today and shows it off again, hitting it dead straight from 40 metres out and a few yards right of centre. Just like that... Brown is now tied in the lead for the Coleman!! Essendon 18.11 (119) Kangaroos 15.8 (98)
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Bombers cruising through the centre square... no they aren't, they've turned it over with some pretty lazy handball work. Roos on the counter now towards goal. Essendon 18.11 (119) Kangaroos 14.8 (92)
Swanny
Guest
Pope Big future for this young north Melbourne team
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Brown fires it wide from a very tight angle on the right boundary line. Essendon 18.11 (119) Kangaroos 14.8 (92)
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Ben Brown open inside forward 50... and he marks again!! It'll be a tight shot from the boundary line but he's been firing from the set shots today. Essendon 18.11 (119) Kangaroos 14.7 (91)
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' The Bombers have kicked 6 of the last 8 goals now and are in complete control. Essendon 18.11 (119) Kangaroos 14.7 (91)
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' GOAL BOMBERS!! The game is out of reach for the Roos now. The Dons back another one straight off the centre bounce and the ball is sailing through the sticks barely 30 seconds after the last one! Darcy Parish hits it from the top of the 50 and the lead is 28. Essendon 18.11 (119) Kangaroos 14.7 (91)
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' GOAL BOMBERS!! Hooker again!! Cale Hooker has four goals in the final quarter and is almost single-handily taking this game away from the Roos late in the contest. So powerful in the goal square, just brushing away his man to take the mark in front of goal and hits it from 10 metres out. Essendon 17.11 (113) Kangaroos 14.7 (91)