“When we look to be able to create momentum, we just have to be a bit more composed with the ball.” – North Melbourne coach David Noble on how the Kangaroos need to adjust.
North Melbourne will be looking for a much-needed win when they play Essendon in the round 10 matchup at Marvel Stadium; And Essendon will be looking for exactly the same. The Kangaroos and the Bombers have had similar weak starts to the season, with North Melbourne claiming no victories so far, and Essendon celebrating only two. The Sunday evening game will surely serve up a showcase of pure heart with a side of belly fire as both sides hunger for redemption and a boost up the ladder, and you could be there on Sunday May 23 with Essendon v North Melbourne Medallion Club tickets. You don’t need to wait until the week of the match to secure tickets or an AFL Corporate Box, get in early now.
Essendon and North Melbourne are known for fighting hard until the final whistle, particularly this season. Perseverance and grit will be on full display, no doubt sending supporters into a frenzy. Many fans would remember the moment in 2001 when Essendon performed a brilliant comeback against North Melbourne to win by 12 points. It’s the pride factor that heightens the stakes in this clash. If you’ve got a spare half hour sit back and watch some classic highlights of that match
Historically, Essendon and North Melbourne have always had a fierce rivalry; Stemming back to the nascent stages of the VFL in the 1890s when the two teams battled for territory, supporters, and talent. Essendon managed to block North Melbourne from joining until 1925 when the Kangaroos finally secured their spot in the competition.
North Melbourne’s grand final debut came in the 1950 season and of course, it happened to be against Essendon. The Bombers were too good, though, and went on to claim the Premiership by 38 points. Since the institution of the AFL, the rivalry has only intensified with players battling on the field and often sledging off the field.
The last time these teams faced each other Essendon was victorious, winning by 14 points. Can they do it again?
Essendon have a team culture of persistence, clearly on show when they reclaimed 5 goals on the Giants in round 8. Coach, Ben Rutten, has spoken of his pride in the “spirit and character” of the team, but has pinpointed the way the Bombers allow their lulls in momentum to be so “costly on the scoreboard” as a focus for improvement.
With Jake Stringer sidelined with a hamstring injury, young guns like Archie Perkins and Harrison Jones are proving their performance under pressure and kicking difficult goals. With that strong kicking game in place, the Bombers just need to find a way to keep a strong influence on the ball. A sturdy defensive approach may be their pathway to victory over the Kangaroos.
North Melbourne have had nothing but opportunity to demonstrate their ability to continue fighting out the game when the pressure is on and the points are stacked up against them. Kangaroo’s coach, David Noble, is fervidly working to harness this fighting spirit and redirect it into maintaining momentum in their offence and finetuning turnovers.
With defender Aiden Bonar out with an ankle injury until at least round 15, there will be some seriously large shoes to fill, and Noble will be looking for a sub with the fortitude to face some diabolical forwards with dangerous kicking games. To set the tone for the momentum of their game, the Kangaroos will be looking to Ben Cunnington and Robbie Tarrant to work well under pressure and continue their habit of scoring swiftly.
Essendon v North Melbourne will be a nail-biting match for fans right up to the final seconds due to a fierce commitment and intensity from each team. With both sides looking to control the ball more and maximise their time in offense, this win could be anyone’s to take home.
Later in the year there’s a July return encounter at Marvel Stadium in Round 18, it might be two months away, but you can already book North Melbourne v Essendon Medallion Club tickets.
Details: Essendon V North Melbourne
Sunday May 23rd, 2021
Marvel Stadium 4:40pm (AEST)
