Essendon VFL played out its final practice match ahead of the 2026 season on Saturday, falling to North Melbourne by 14 points in a competitive hitout at Arden Street Oval.

Barring a five-minute run of Roos goals late in the second term, it was a pretty even contest for most of the day - Essendon would take the most optimism out of their final quarter, where a consistent period of fast ball movement allowed them to trim the lead to just three points against a North side with some experienced heads in defence.

The Dons had their opportunities to gain some ascendancy, but a return of 2.8 in that second quarter thwarted some of their good momentum.

Midfielder Elijah Tsatas found the footy everywhere and looked the most capable clearance player on the ground, sharking taps from both Vigo Visentini and the opposition rucks with ease. The 21-year-old showed dash out of the middle and generated plenty of forward entries.

It was another positive showing from Nik Cox on the wing, who's clearly gained confidence out of his last two VFL appearances as he comes back from a 2025 season crippled by concussion symptoms. A terrific, desperate tackle in the forward half earned a set shot from deep in the pocket, which only narrowly missed on what would've been a fitting return goal. He looked proactive all day and created plenty of inside 50's with both sides of his body.

Bombers fans caught their first proper glimpse at touted draftee Sullivan Robey, who produced some nice moments in three quarters of game time.

Last year's pick No.9 helped orchestrate a goal within the first 30 seconds of play, charging out of a stoppage with a bounce and feeding Matt Guelfi, whose knock-on wounded up in the lap of Jade Gresham for the opener.

The 18-year-old held up well in the midfield and looked at his most damaging when shuffled to a high half forward role in the third term - one long entry set up a crumbing Gresham, and he very nearly found the sticks himself with a running shot at goal just a few minutes later.

Gresham found form quickly when pushed forward and was rewarded for his work in a stellar second half. As the Bombers ran down a three-goal lead late, he slotted two in a row as an isolated target inside 50 and continually posed a threat around goal - he would finish with five on the day in a nice haul.

The combination of Saad El-Hawli off half back and Cam Nyko in the midfield caused plenty of headaches for the Roos with their run and carry - Nyko in particular was influential in the Dons' comeback effort through the second half, constantly evading traffic and looking to attack quickly.

Archer Day-Wicks' forward pressure never let up, laying several important tackles and throwing his weight around. In defence, Kayle Gerreyn was confident in the air and took some nice contested marks in the opening half, intercepting a few 'chaos ball' entries with assurance and going back courageously. 

VFL signing Charlie Naish slotted two goals and was a combative presence up forward, continuing his strong pre-season. Skipper Xavier O'Neill battled well in the guts and was rewarded with a running last-term goal which helped ignite the attempted fightback.

Jacob Farrow was utilised in defence and looked composed when he had ball in hand - a long, drilling pass to Nyko along the boundary line at a crucial stage of the last term to set up a score was a particular highlight.

Solly McKay was impressive under plenty of heat in the back half and held his nerve at several points, kicking off much of the attack with his ability to draw an opponent and rebound at pace.

The VFL Dons open their season officially at GMHBA Stadium next Friday, taking on Geelong from 7:05pm AEDT.

NORTH MELBOURNE     4.3    8.6    12.9   14.11  (95)
ESSENDON   2.1    4.9     7.13     11.15    (81)

GOALS
Gresham 5, Naish 2, Scott, Bella, Guelfi, O'Neill

BEST
Tsatas, Nyko, Gresham, McKay