North Melbourne lost key defender Robbie Tarrant in the pre-match warm-up with debutant Josh Williams called in as a late replacement.

Essendon defender Michael Hartley has the match up on Ben Brown, while at the other end of the ground Scott Thompson is on Joe Daniher and third gamer Daniel Nielson is on Cale Hooker.

Jarrad Waite spent time on the wing in the first half but when when he shifted forward Martin Gleeson picked him up.

In the opening ten minutes the Kangaroos led the disposal count 47-28 and booted three of the first four goals to open up a 15 points lead. The contested possessions were 17-10 in the Roos favour at that stage.

But the Bombers responded with two goals in two minutes and when Cale Hooker snapped truly, the Dons were in front at the 24-minute mark of the quarter.

The early advantage the Roos had in contested possessions had also almost evaporated (29-27 Kangaroos way at the 24 minute mark).

A late goal to the Kangaroos handed them a two-point advantage at the first change.

North Melbourne had 12 of the first 16 inside 50s but the Bombers made the most of their opportunities kicking three goals to two in that period.

The Kangaroos are using Scott Thompson as an extra man in defence with Cale Hooker often competiting against two opponents in the first half.

70 per cent of the second quarter was spent in the Roos attacking half and they held an 20-8 advantage in the inside 50s.

But despite the territorial dominance the Dons were only two points down at the main break.