SUMMARY
North Melbourne's unbeaten start to the season almost came to an abrupt end last week when St Kilda charged home in the final term, but the Roos held on to claim their seventh successive victory. The Kangaroos are finding a way to win even when not at their best and should extend their run of wins against Essendon, who who lost five games in a row since its surprise win over Melbourne in round two. The Bombers were competitive in the first half against the Sydney Swans last week at the SCG, but fell away in the second half and conceded 13 goals to two to lose by 81 points. John Worsfold continues to give youngsters opportunities and they should learn plenty again from taking on the ladder-leaders at Etihad Stadium.
Joe Daniher will be keen to bounce back from last week's quiet game. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, May 14, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R16, 2015, North Melbourne 14.9 (93) d Essendon 9.14 (68) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2015, North Melbourne 13.15 (93) d Essendon 12.10 (82) at Etihad Stadium
2EF, 2014, North Melbourne 14.9 (93) d Essendon 12.9 (81) at the MCG
R1, 2014, Essendon 15.9 (99) d North Melbourne 9.6 (60) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2013, North Melbourne 17.13 (115) d Essendon 9.16 (70) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Todd Goldstein was the difference last time these teams met in 2015. The star Kangaroos ruckman had 27 disposals, kicked a goal, had 56 hit-outs and won the three Brownlow Medal votes in an outstanding display.
2. The Bombers rank second in the competition for uncontested possessions, averaging 268 a game so far in 2016. But the Dons are last for contested possessions, showing their lack of experience at the stoppages.
3. North Melbourne will record its best start to a season since 1978 with a win over the Bombers. That year the Roos won their first eight games of the season and went on to make the Grand Final, which they lost to Hawthorn. Only two sides since 2004 have started 8-0 and failed to reach the Grand Final.
4. The Roos have had the better of the Bombers at Etihad Stadium, winning 11 of 15 games at the venue. The last time Essendon knocked over North was in round one, 2012.
5. David Zaharakis is in career-best form. The Essendon midfielder has stepped up in the absence of many of his senior teammates, and is averaging 30 disposals a game.
6. Shaun Higgins started the season at No.98 in the Schick Official AFL Player Ratings, but has been steadily moving up the board through his consistent form. He's ranked at No.81 now after seven rounds.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Joe Daniher. As Essendon's focal point in attack, Daniher has had a challenging start to the season. He went goalless in last week's loss to the Swans, so will be keen to hit the scoreboard against the Roos.
PREDICTION: North Melbourne by 45 points
