Both thrown back into what feel like never-ending crises, Essendon and North Melbourne will be desperate to claim a much-needed victory at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
The heat is firmly on the Bombers after their listless 133-70 loss to Port Adelaide during Round 2. Essendon’s losing streak now stands at 15 matches, the second-longest in club history behind a run of 17 losses during the 2016 season which was compromised by the supplements saga.
Meanwhile, North Melbourne most recently blew a 30-point lead to fall 111-94 against a West Coast side that won just once last season, continuing a frustrating run of results.
The Kangaroos will have plenty to prove as they attempt to end a 12-match losing streak against Essendon, which started back in 2016. Safe to say that both clubs have tasted their fair share of defeat in the last few seasons.
Three of the last four meetings between the sides have been decided by fewer than 10 points, suggesting another tight contest at Docklands. With both teams essentially in a three-way battle with the Eagles to avoid the wooden spoon, the stakes couldn't be higher for these two hapless clubs.
Will the Bombers finally give their long-suffering fans something to smile about, or will North leapfrog them and leave the Dons in the cellar?
For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Essendon vs North Melbourne Round 3 prediction and preview below.
Essendon Bombers vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Prediction and Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
Talk about not wanting to be the loser of a game… The Roos undid all their good work from Round 1 by letting a winning lead slip against the Eagles, and the vibes at Arden Street are getting shaky again.
However, we think they are in a better position than the Bombers, who looked completely shell-shocked against Port. Essendon are currently languishing in mid-table mediocrity, at best, and their inability to stem the flow of goals is a major red flag.
While Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish continue to toil away in the middle, they lack the defensive support to stop the Roos' young brigade of Harry Sheezel and Luke Davies-Uniacke.
North Melbourne have shown they can score; they just need to learn how to close out games.
Against an Essendon side that is currently allergic to winning, this is the perfect opportunity for Alastair Clarkson to claim a massive scalp and steady the ship. Expect a high-scoring, frantic affair where the Roos' youthful exuberance eventually overwhelms the demoralised Dons.
Betting tip: North Melbourne by 14 points.
First Goal Scorer Prediction
Nick Larkey is the focal point of this North Melbourne attack and remains one of the most reliable set shots in the competition. Given Essendon's recent defensive struggles, we expect the Roos to look for big “Souv” early and often.
He has a knack for finding space in a crowded forward line and loves the fast track under the roof at Marvel Stadium. If North can get the first few clearances, Larkey is the most likely man to capitalise.
Betting tip: Nick Larkey.
Most Disposals Prediction
Zach Merrett is the heart and soul of the Essendon midfield and rarely plays a bad game, even when his team is struggling. He showed his class at the start of the year, being close to best on ground for Victoria in the Origin match.
The former skipper is still the go-to man in the Dons lineup by a long shot.
While Harry Sheezel will rack up plenty for the Roos, Merrett’s pure volume of work and status as the primary distributor for the Dons makes him the safest play here. He'll be doing everything in his power to drag his side across the line.
Betting tip: Zach Merrett.
*Odds are subject to change.
Essendon vs North Melbourne Predicted Teams
Essendon Bombers Predicted Team List
FB: Jaxon Prior, Ben McKay, Andrew McGrath
HB: Archie Roberts, Zach Reid, Jacob Farrow
C: Xavier Duursma, Jye Caldwell, Brayden Fiorini
HF: Sam Durham, Nate Caddy, Dyson Sharp
FF: Isaac Kako, Peter Wright, Kyle Langford
FOLL: Lachlan Blakiston, Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett
I/C: Max Kondogiannis, Jye Caldwell, Archie Perkins, Max Sellwood
North Melbourne Kangaroos Predicted Team List
FB: Luke McDonald, Toby Pink, Charlie Comben
HB: Finn O'Sullivan, Caleb Daniel, Tom Blamires
C: Jy Simpkin, Tom Powell, Dylan Stephens
HF: Paul Curtis, Cooper Trembath, Colby McKercher
FF: Cameron Zurhaar, Nick Larkey, Lachy Dovaston
FOLL: Tristan Xerri, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Harry Sheezel
I/C: Zane Duursma, Luke Parker, Jack Darling, Jacob Konstanty
Essendon vs North Melbourne Match Details
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026.
First Bounce: 7:35pm AEDT.
Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.
How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.