NORTH Melbourne is yet to win a round one game since Brad Scott took over as coach in 2010 and will be desperate to reverse that trend against Essendon. However, the Bombers have been fast starters in recent seasons, winning their past three round one clashes, including a memorable two-point win over the Roos in 2012. Both teams are coming off patchy pre-season form and will be without key players – Essendon will miss Tom Bellchambers and Jake Melksham, and North is minus Andrew Swallow and Robbie Tarrant. It looms as a hard-fought clash, but the Roos seem to have greater potency in attack, which might give them the edge.
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WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday March 21, 7:50pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R21, 2013, North Melbourne 17.13 (115) d Essendon 9.16 (70) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2012, North Melbourne 15.10 (100) d Essendon 11.10 (76) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2012, Essendon 14.20 (104) d North Melbourne 15.12 (102) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2011, North Melbourne 17.9 (111) d Essendon 12.18 (90) at Etihad Stadium
R17, 2010, Essendon 18.14 (122) d North Melbourne 18.11 (119) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Since 2008, the teams have waged a close-fought rivalry, with North holding a 4-3 edge. The Bombers' past two wins over the Roos have been by three and two points.
2. North won eight of 13 games at Etihad Stadium in 2013, averaging 119 points a game, while Essendon won five of 10 and averaged 99 points a game.
3. No team took more marks in 2013 than Essendon (2213), with North ranked sixth (2064).
4. The teams were at the opposite ends of the AFL's free kick count last year, with North receiving the most free kicks of any club (445) and Essendon the fewest (348).
5. Despite missing the finals in 2013, the Kangaroos averaged 15 goals a game, ranked third in the AFL behind Hawthorn and Geelong.
6. Essendon captain Jobe Watson is ranked No. 5 in the competition in the Official AFL Player Ratings. North Melbourne's best is Brent Harvey at No. 12.
Prediction: North Melbourne by seven points
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