North Melbourne v Essendon, Friday Night 7:50pm, Etihad Stadium
Despite all this, despite playing some abhorrent footy even last week, Saturday night’s win put them back with the group of teams jostling for finals. Considering the youth of GWS/Bulldogs, age of Geelong and similar incompetence of Port Adelaide, two or three wins on the trot turns the whole ship around.
Although North have constantly found banana peels (and will likely slip again), their next five is against teams below them, within even four wins of those putting them right in the box seat for September action.
The Bombers on the other hand rallied last weekend against a pretty poor Demons outfit in a struggle in the wet. That third quarter is what the Bombers have been missing all season, a run and drive off of half-back and the ability to do well on the last line of defence.
Where they’re going is anyone’s guess, although there’s a consensus that a rebuild will likely begin soon. They’ve probably lost too many games to make a run at finals despite being mathematically placed to pull off a miracle similar to Richmond in the second half of last year.
What Essendon probably need is what they planned for on Saturday, finding out more about their fringe players and getting some much needed experience into some of the next generation.
Key Match Ups
Robbie Tarrant vs Joe Daniher
The only thing holding Joe Daniher back is his goalkicking. Last week he looked confident dropping the ball on the boot and was very deliberate in his movements on goal. Perfect this and with his agile runs and strong marking ability, he could be just about one of the best forwards in the league.
Shaun Higgins vs James Gwilt
Higgins will roam around on half forward with different opponents all game, it’s more what happens inside 50. Someone will need to prevent his decent marking skills from coming to the fore, hence a role for Gwilt who’s getting some game time at the top level again.
Result
It’s hard to say which North Melbourne and which Essendon shows up on Friday, but you’d back the Roos to play at least two good quarters and get over the line. The Bombers are more than a chance of an upset, but North will have the stronger team on paper.
North by 21.