The 2026 AFL season has given us plenty of surprises, but seeing the North Melbourne Kangaroos sitting inside the top 10 heading into Round 16 might just take the cake. Clarkson's structural shift looks like it may be bearing fruit, and the Arden Street faithful are up and about.

We are witnessing a football renaissance for a football powerhouse that has spent far too long anchored to the bottom of the ladder.

Coming off a comprehensive victory over Richmond at the MCG, where veteran Caleb Daniel turned back the clock with a masterclass across half-back, the Roos have secured seven wins in a season for the first time since 2019.

It’s a milestone for a developing list that is finally learning how to defend at an AFL standard consistently. For the Bombers on the other hand, it looks like a long road ahead. The Dons are enduring what can only be described as a catastrophic 2026 campaign, currently on track to record the lowest winning percentage in their proud club history.With 13 defeats from 14 matches, including a bruising loss to Melbourne before their Round 15 bye, the pressure at the hangar is immense.

When these two met back in Round 3, North broke a frustrating 12-match losing streak against the Bombers with a hard-fought win at Marvel.This Sunday afternoon rematch looms as a critical junction for both sides as the Roos chase a potential finals berth while the Dons desperately searche for answers to avoid rock bottom.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Essendon Bombers Round 16 prediction and preview below.

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Essendon Bombers Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

We look at this Sunday afternoon clash as an absolute must-win for Alastair Clarkson’s men if they want to prove they’re worthy of wildcard contention.

Which we don’t think they are at this stage.

The Kangaroos have won their past couple but certainly not in emphatic fashion and not against strong opposition.

But in our game, winning is winning and no one will look twice if you continue to do just that.

The mismatch on paper is glaring when you examine the current trajectories and respective lineups of each team, the Roos should overwhelm the struggling Bombers in this one.

But the game isn’t played on paper, Dons still have the capacity to pull out an upset here. But we’d be VERY surprised.

Head-to-head prediction: North Melbourne Kangaroos by 31 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

North captain Nick Larkey has been struggling for form in 2026, but he found something a couple of weeks ago with four goals against West Coast.

While he was quiet again last week against the Tigers, we think he is due for a couple of goals in this one. 

Facing a lesser opposition in Essendon provides a good opportunity for Larkey to kick himself back into form.Expect the Roos to look deep into the forward pocket to find their skipper right from the opening bounce.

Betting tip: Nick Larkey.

Most Disposals Prediction

This is a tough one to call here with so many players posting big numbers across the board. The likes of Zach Merrett, Will Setterfield, Darcy Parish, Caleb Daniel, and Harry Sheezel all have a decent case to mount.

However, because of pure consistency, we have got to run with Harry Sheezel for this one. He’s a key distributor for the Roos, particularly coming out of the back half - he rarely has a quiet game and consistently tops the disposal list for North.

Betting tip: Harry Sheezel.

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Essendon Bombers Predicted Teams

North Melbourne Kangaroos Predicted Team List

FB: Luke Parker, Charlie Comben, Luke McDonald

HB: Colby McKercher, Caleb Daniel, Tom Blamires

C: Jacob Konstanty, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jy Simpkin

HF: Charlie Spargo, Cooper Trembath, Finn O'Sullivan

FF: Jack Darling, Nick Larkey, Cameron Zurhaar

FOLL: Tristan Xerri, Aidan Corr, Harry Sheezel

I/C: Cooper Harvey, George Wardlaw, Dylan Stephens, Zane Duursma, Taylor Goad

Essendon Bombers Predicted Team List

FB: Jaxon Prior, Zach Reid, Archie Roberts

HB: Mason Redman, Hussien El Achkar, Xavier Duursma

C: Archer Day-Wicks, Sam Durham, Archie Perkins

HF: Sullivan Robey, Nate Caddy, Dyson Sharp

FF: Lachlan Blakiston, Kyle Langford, Ben McKay

FOLL: Nick Bryan, Zach Merrett, Will Setterfield

I/C: Jacob Farrow, Elijah Tsatas, Nik Cox, Jordan Ridley, Harrison Jones

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Essendon Bombers Match Details

Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026.

First Bounce: 3:15pm AEST

Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

How to Watch: Fox Footy / Kayo Sports / Channel 7