The Kangaroos trailed at half-time but struck back in the second half, answering Essendon's every challenge to post the 15.10 (100) to 11.10 (76) victory.
The win sees Brad Scott's side move to sixth on the ladder after eight wins from its last nine games. With three rounds remaining, North is now a game and percentage clear of the Bombers and fellow finals aspirant Fremantle.
Five talking points: Essendon v North Melbourne
The win was not only a test of North's credentials but also of its character. Within minutes in the opening term, the Kangaroos lost midfielders Leigh Adams (shoulder) and Daniel Wells (calf) to game-ending injuries.
Lachie Hansen also came off second best after a bump with Nathan Lovett-Murray in the first term, but played on and kicked three goals in a valuable role.
Wells' absence was particularly damaging. The dynamic 27-year-old had enjoyed a fast start to the game with seven disposals before limping from the field with his muscle strain. ??
Although limited in rotations and players on the bench, North's spirit wasn't dimmed, leaving Scott to rank the win near the top of his three seasons at the club.
"[It's] certainly one of the best wins I've been involved in at North Melbourne," Scott said.??
"[It] just reaffirms our confidence in the players we've recruited to the club and reaffirms our confidence in the leaders we've got."
His counterpart James Hird admitted the Bombers needed to address a few issues if they are to remain in the hunt for the top eight, but said North had become a more complete side since the clubs' round-one meeting.
"They certainly outran us, out-spread us and outplayed us," Hird said. ??"No doubt they've improved out of sight. They're a very, very good football team and we matched them for a while, but we couldn't match them for the whole game."
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Even when the Bombers got to a two-point advantage by half-time and appeared set to run away with the game early in the third quarter, the Kangaroos held on. In fact, through the efforts of veteran Brent Harvey, they powered on.??
Harvey kicked three goals in three minutes midway through the term to give his side an important 14-point break, and also some belief.
Each goal was an example of the 34-year-old's smarts: the first a running shot after dummying the man on the mark, the second a snap around his body and the third a front-and-centre crumbing conversion.
It set up a brilliant final term, but the Kangaroos weren't interested in theatrics. Essendon got within three points on two occasions - after Alwyn Davey and Michael Hurley each kicked their third goals - but they only inspired the Roos to get away again.
Sam Wright kicked a goal to cap an excellent outing (he had 32 disposals), and then Sam Gibson kicked the sealer. A Robbie Tarrant set-shot goal rubbed salt into Essendon's wounds with moments remaining.
The final margin indicated a more comfortable victory, but the Roos didn't have everything go their way. In what has almost become custom, Jobe Watson was Essendon's best.
The Bombers captain had 32 disposals, seven tackles and kicked one goal, and again was instrumental in starting the Bombers' drive at the stoppages.
Another two or three Brownlow Medal votes will probably go his way, despite the result.
ESSENDON 5.2 8.6 9.10 11.10 (76)
NORTH MELBOURNE 6.2 8.4 11.7 15.10 (100)
GOALS
Essendon: Davey 3, Hurley 3, Crameri, Lovett-Murray, Lonergan, Melksham, Watson
North Melbourne: Harvey 3, Hansen 3, Tarrant 3, Garlett 2, Gibson 2, Wells, Wright
BEST
Essendon: Watson, Fletcher, Bellchambers, Colyer, Davey, Hurley,
North Melbourne: Harvey, Wright, McMahon, Swallow, Grima, Gibson, Goldstein, Anthony
INJURIES
Essendon: Nil
North Melbourne: Leigh Adams (left shoulder), Daniel Wells (calf), Nathan Grima (hamstring tendonitis)
SUBSTITUTES
Essendon: Scott Gumbleton replaced by Angus Monfries in the third quarter
North Melbourne: Leigh Adams (left shoulder) replaced by Matt Campbell in the first quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Donlon, Meredith, McInerney
Official crowd: 42,674 at Etihad Stadium
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs.
