NORTH Melbourne has put together a strong second half to survive a scare against Essendon, running away with a 52-point victory.
The Bombers jumped out of the gates strongly and caught the Roos off guard, but North was able to get the game back on its terms, eventually proving too classy in the 12.13 (85) to 5.3 (33) win.
Essendon’s pressure and intensity was elite early in the game and for a moment, the Roos looked rattled.Â
But rather than wilt under the pressure, Darren Crocker’s side was able to stabilise and play to its strengths.
Champion midfielder Jasmine Garner continued her superb season, amassing 27 disposals, nine score involvements, 536 metres gained and two goals.
Garner, who currently leads the coaches’ votes this year, stood tall when the heat was on and led her side superbly to its fourth straight win.Â
Midfield maestro Maddy Prespakis led the way for Essendon once more, finishing the match with 32 disposals.
She has always been a great contested player, but Prespakis’ fitness has gone to another level in 2026, enabling her to get more involved in transition this season.Â
Veteran on-baller Georgia Nanscawen (21 disposals, eight tackles) set the tone early with her pressure and willingness to lay a tackle, while Georgie Gee (21 disposals) was also solid.
Captain Bonnie Toogood (18 disposals, two goals) has led brilliantly in the face of adversity all season and never stopped trying against the Roos, while young guns Amy Gaylor and Grace Belloni can also hold their heads high after some really impressive efforts.
The win sees North Melbourne keep hold of top spot on the AFLW ladder, while Essendon’s win-loss record slumps to 1-9, but the fans would no doubt have been proud of the valiant performance their side produced this week.
Prespakis’ rejuvenation continues
It’s been a grim year for Essendon fans, but Maddy Prespakis can hold her head high after an outstanding season so far. Prespakis was determined to improve her game over the off-season, putting a mountain of work into her endurance and running ability. To say that hard work paid off would be an understatement. Prespakis is covering the ground as well as she ever has, which was clear in warm conditions at Windy Hill on Sunday. The star Don, who will surely be in All-Australian discussions this year, recorded 32 touches.
Up next
North Melbourne heads to Hobart to take on the Adelaide Crows next Sunday (1:05pm AEDT), while Essendon makes the trip to Dingley to play Hawthorn (3:05pm AEDT).Â
ESSENDONÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3.2 Â Â 3.2 Â Â 5.2 Â Â 5.3 (33)
NORTH MELBOURNEÂ 2.1 Â Â 4.5 Â Â 8.10 Â Â 12.13 (85)
GOALS
Essendon: Bannister 2, Toogood 2, Strong
North Melbourne: Randall 3, Wall 2, Garner 2, O’Loughlin 2, Eddey, Sheerin, Weston-Turner
BEST
Essendon: Prespakis, Nanscawen, Gee, Toogood, Gaylor, Belloni
North Melbourne: Garner, Riddell, Wall, Randall, Shannon, Sheerin
INJURIES
Essendon: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil
LATE CHANGES
Essendon: Nil
North Melbourne: Claire Mahony (ankle) replaced in selected side by Abby Favell.Â
Crowd:Â TBC at Windy Hill
