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Essendon Bombers vs North Melbourne Tips - Bombers dominance of Roos to continue in AFL

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: 29 Apr 2025

Adam Cusworth 29 Apr 2025

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Essendon Bombers vs North Melbourne Kangaroos expert predictions for Thursday’s Round 8 AFL game
Bombers seek redemption after a heavy loss
Key players include Peter Wright and Zach Merrett

Expired

Peter Wright of the Bombers celebrates a goal (Getty Images)

Essendon Bombers vs North Melbourne Preview
Head to Head
Essendon Bombers Form
Essendon Bombers Team News
North Melbourne Form
North Melbourne Team News

Essendon Bombers vs North Melbourne Preview

A reaction is expected from the Bombers, who come into this following a 40-point loss to Collingwood on ANZAC Day. They have dominated the Kangaroos in recent clashes and more of the same is predicted

Essendon have won the last 11 matches between the two sides
Peter Wright kicked four goals the last time the two sides met
Zach Merrett is averaging over 30 disposals this season
The Bombers are 3-3, the Kangaroos are 1-5

Head to Head

Essendon have won the last 11 matches between the two sides. Round 10 of 2024 was the most recent encounter, a 40 point win for the Dons with Peter Wright booting four goals and Nic Martin picking up 27 disposals. Luke Davies-Uniacke had 27 for the Roos as well as two majors.

Seven of the 11 wins have been decided by less than 40 points. Harry Sheezel has averaged 28 disposals for North Melbourne in his last three matches against Essendon and Kyle Langford has kicked 10 goals from his past four.

Essendon Bombers Form

Essendon won three games on the trot before their loss to Collingwood. Those victories came against Port Adelaide, Melbourne and West Coast.

Despite winning the hitouts last weekend, the Bombers were beaten at the clearances and stoppages by a well drilled Magpies outfit leading to 43 inside 50s to 56.

They will look to get their hands on the ball a bit more this week and over the course of the season, the Bombers top the competition for disposals per game. Zach Merrett is leading the way at 30+ disposals per game.

The lack of scoring options up forward could bring North Melbourne into the game. Peter Wright has kicked eight goals in the past two weeks and is likely to be a focal point.

Essendon Bombers Team News

No injuries to come out of the ANZAC Day match for Essendon. Matt Guelfi and Nik Cox are edging closer towards a return. Elijah Tsatsas has some solid VFL form and will be considered.

North Melbourne Form

North Melbourne produced an improved performance last weekend with their nine-point loss to Port. Their four losses prior to that came at an average margin of just under 60 points.

They conceded 97 points to Port Adelaide, just the second time this season they have given up less than 100. The Roos remain the side that are conceding the most points per game.

Harry Sheezel picked up 30 disposals last weekend, while Luke Davies-Uniacke and Luke Parker both had 25+. North ranks 3rd for disposals per game this season but that hasn't translated to inside 50s, ranking 16th.

North Melbourne Team News

The Roos lose one of their key goalkickers, Paul Curtis, due to suspension. He has kicked 18 goals from seven matches, level with Nick Larkey.

Verdict

Essendon v North Melbourne

Bombers to cover the line with Wright and Langford amongst the goals

Essendon -16.5

Line -16.5

@9/10 - 2 Units

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