It’s a must win game for the Bombers under the lights at Etihad Stadium. Here is how the numbers stack up ahead of Essendon’s clash with North Melbourne tonight.

Head to Head

Played: 151

Essendon: 96

North Melbourne: 54

Draw: 1

Last Five:

2EF,2014 North Melbourne 14.9 (93) d Essendon 12.9 (81) MCG

R1,2014 Essendon 15.9 (99) d North Melbourne 9.6 (60) Etihad Stadium

R21,2013 North Melbourne 17.3 (115) d Essendon 9.16 (70) Etihad Stadium     

R20,2012 North Melbourne 15.10 (100) d Essendon 11.10 (76) Etihad Stadium

R1,2012 Essendon 14.20 (104) d North Melbourne 15.2 (102) Etihad Stadium

Key Players

-        Brent Harvey is proving age is no barrier.  He collected 22 disposals and kicked two goals against Richmond last weekend.

-        Joe Daniher has form in front of goal against the Kangaroos.  He's kicked six goals in the last two meetings. 

-        Ben Cunnington made a statement in last year’s Elimination final clash gaining 30 disposals and a handy goal when it was needed most. 

Take Note

-        Essendon’s record at Etihad stadium is slipping.  It has lost nine of the past 13 contests at the venue.

-        The Kangaroos are the worst tackling side in 2015..

-        Jobe Watson has averaged more than 30 disposals in recent meetings against North Melbourne.