Head to head: North Melbourne 50 wins, Essendon 93 wins, one draw
Last time: North Melbourne 10.9 (69) d Essendon 7.15 (57), round 4, 2009 at the Etihad Stadium
MISSING IN ACTION
North Melbourne
Liam Anthony (shoulder) - 3-4 weeks
Aaron Black (hip) - indefinite
Majak Daw (knee) - 2 weeks
Cruize Garlett (calf) - 3 weeks
Scott McMahon (knee) - 2 weeks
Drew Petrie (foot) - indefinite
Ben Ross (hip/groin) - indefinite
Robbie Tarrant (thumb) - 4 weeks
Lindsay Thomas (knee) - 2 weeks
Sam Wright (concussion) - test
Jack Ziebell (leg) - indefinite
Essendon
Darcy Daniher (adductor) - TBC
Ricky Dyson (knee) - 1 week
David Hille (hamstring) - 1 week
Jason Laycock (foot) - season
Anthony Long (hamstring) - 2 weeks
Tayte Pears (pancreas) - season
Taite Silverlock (leg) - season
Henry Slattery (ribs) - 2 weeks
Andrew Welsh (adductor) - TBC
John Williams (shoulder) - TBC
FORM
North Melbourne: WWLLW
Essendon: LLLLL
SUMMARY
The Kangaroos bounced back from successive losses with a 50-point thumping of in-form Richmond last week. They will fancy their chances against the reeling Bombers, who have lost six games on the trot. North has some key names out but continues to make solid progress under Brad Scott. Andrew Swallow gathered 31 possessions against the Tigers and the Dons will need to curb his influence if they are to walk away with the points. That's no easy task given they slipped to an embarrassing defeat at the hands of bottom-placed West Coast last weekend. Coach Matthew Knights has come under intense scrutiny in the past fortnight and he has demanded action from his players on Saturday night.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Todd Goldstein has played every game this year and has impressed with his ruck work and mobility. He's started to hit the scoreboard of late as well and with David Hille in the stands the Bombers will need to work overtime to curb his influence.
A young team in crisis, as the Bombers undoubtedly are, will take its cues largely from the on-field leadership which makes Jobe Watson's role crucial on Saturday night. He doesn't have to get 40 touches, but he will need to set a strong example with his physicality and endeavour that his younger teammates can follow.
QUESTION MARKS
Can the Roos weather the early storm? The Bombers will surely come out firing after a torrid week, but if North can soak that up and hit back they should win.
What does the Essendon of 2010 stand for? It's a question that has been asked after several disappointing displays and this match should provide some answers.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
You've always got to be weary of a side that has been given a public beating, but there are genuine reasons why the Dons aren't that good at the minute and North should be able to account for them. The Roos' rucks should be able to give their hard-working onball brigade first use on most occasions and it will flow from there.
PREDICTION
North Melbourne by 25 points
Chat with host Jason Phelan and other fans in the AFL Match Centre on afl.com.au from 7.10pm Saturday or join the conversation on Twitter: #aflkangasbombers
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
