North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Essendon Bombers Tips - Kangas to pounce on out of sorts Bombers outfit
North Melbourne Kangaroos are set to capitalize on Essendon Bombers' current form in their upcoming clash. The Kangaroos have a solid 1-1 start to the season, whereas the Bombers are struggling at 0-2. North Melbourne's strengths lie in their clearance work and ability to generate scoring opportunities through Nick Larkey and Harry Sheezel. In contrast, Essendon's main challenges stem from defensive lapses and lack of forward pressure, with heavy reliance on Zach Merrett in the midfield. The Kangaroos are expected to win if they maintain pressure and control territory.
- North Melbourne 1-1; Essendon struggling at 0-2.
- Kangaroos thrive in clearances; Larkey a goal threat.
- Essendon defensively vulnerable; rely on Merrett.
North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Essendon Bombers Preview
- North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Essendon Bombers Preview
- Head to Head
- North Melbourne Kangaroos Form Analysis
- North Melbourne Kangaroos Team News
- Essendon Bombers Form Analysis
- Essendon Bombers Team News
North Melbourne will bounce back and take advantage of an out-of-form Essendon side in what shapes as an early-season disaster for the side that comes up short.
The Kangaroos are 1-1 after a strong win over Port Adelaide and a loss to West Coast, while Essendon are 0-2 following heavy defeats to Hawthorn and Port Adelaide.
North’s contest-first approach will be key. When they win clearances and follow up at ground level they generate strong scoring opportunities, with Nick Larkey already kicking 10 goals this season. Harry Sheezel continues his elite form, recording 40 disposals last week and hitting 30+ in his past six matches.
Essendon will look to move the ball with uncontested possessions, but their defensive system has been a major issue. They conceded 165 marks to Port Adelaide and 157 to Hawthorn, highlighting their inability to apply pressure. Zach Merrett continues to lead the midfield, but the lack of scoring support up forward remains a concern.
If North can maintain pressure around the contest and improve their post-clearance work, they should control territory. Essendon’s defensive vulnerabilities and inability to restrict opposition ball movement leave them exposed.
- Essendon have lost their past 15 matches by an average margin of 42 points
- North Melbourne have won five matches since the last time Essendon won
- Nick Larkey has kicked 10 goals from two matches this season
- Harry Sheezel has hit the 30+ disposals in his past six matches
Head to Head
Essendon have won the past 12 matches between the two sides, but North Melbourne pushed them to a three-point loss in their last meeting (65-62).
Harry Sheezel had 32 disposals in that match and has recorded 30+ in his past three against Essendon. Darcy Parish has also hit 30+ in his past three against North, while Cam Zurhaar has kicked 11 goals from his past four against the Bombers.
North Melbourne Kangaroos Form Analysis
North Melbourne are 1-1 to start the season, highlighted by a strong defensive performance in their win over Port Adelaide where they conceded just 67 points.
Their strengths lie in clearance work and contest, with Larkey (10 goals this season) and Zurhaar providing strong forward output. Sheezel (40 disposals last week) and Luke Davies-Uniacke (32) continue to drive midfield production.
Their key weakness remains post-clearance work, where they can win the ball but lose territory in the next phase, leading to defensive exposure and momentum swings.
North Melbourne Kangaroos Team News
Griffin Logue is expected to miss with a thigh injury which impacts their defensive structure.
Otherwise, their core midfield and forward group remains unchanged, with Larkey continuing as the focal point.
Essendon Bombers Form Analysis
Essendon are 0-2 with heavy losses and continue to struggle offensively, managing just 10 goals in their loss to Port Adelaide.
Their strengths include ball movement when uncontested but they have turned the ball over at times when under pressure. Zach Merrett, Jye Caldwell and Archie Roberts all collected 25+ disposals last week. Nate Caddy provided a forward presence with four goals.
However, their weaknesses are significant. They apply low pressure (just 41 tackles last match), concede high uncontested marks (165 and 157 in their two games), and struggle defensively when momentum shifts.
Essendon Bombers Team News
Mason Redman will miss with a knee injury. Jacob Farrow (31 disposals, 1 goal) and Elijah Tsatas (21 disposals) are pushing for selection after strong VFL performances.
Essendon may look to inject these players to improve midfield depth and ball use, but structural defensive issues remain the bigger concern.
Verdict
North Melbourne to win with Nick Larkey a strong goal threat and Harry Sheezel continuing his 30+ disposal form.
North Melbourne -12.5
Handicap +12.5
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