The off–field drama has finally caught up with Essendon who, in the past three weeks, have suffered heavy defeats to Hawthorn (56 points), Collingwood (79 points) and last week, West Coast (53 points).

In each of these performances they have look like a club that is tired and under siege. The above losses have seen them slip to seventh on the ladder.

With news during the week that Essendon Coach James Hird, along with three other Essendon officials have been charged with bringing the game into disrepute, the news is only going to get worse for the Bombers players and supporters before it gets any better.

Expect North Melbourne to show no mercy though.

The Kangaroos were themselves poor last week and after registering a big win over Geelong in round 19, were always on the back-foot against Adelaide and in the end, fall nine points short.

They’ve been a hard team to get a handle on all year as their 8 – 11 record would indicate however, Essendon appear to be crumbling at a rapid rate.

In the past there has been little between the two sides with honours split 2 – 2 over the past few years however, this game will be played under unique and trying circumstances for the Essendon footy club and, as their past month of performances would suggest, they can longer shoulder the pressure from the off the field.

TIP: NORTH MELBOURNE 1 – 39

Odds comparison by AFL Odds:

Essendon Bombers	2.85	2.80	N/A	2.80	2.85	N/A
North Melbourne Kangaroos	1.42	1.43	N/A	1.43	1.42	N/A

Teams:

Essendon Bombers:
B: M.Hibberd T.Pears K.Hardingham
HB: M.Baguley C.Hooker B.Goddard
C: H.Hocking J.Watson L.Dalgleish
HF: J.Daniher S.Crameri D.Heppell
F: N.Kommer J.Carlisle A.Davey
FOLL: T.Bellchambers J.Melksham B.Stanton
I/C: L.Jetta D.Zaharakis B.Howlett N.O’Brien
EMG: N.Lovett-Murray E.Kavanagh D.Hille
IN: Joe Daniher, Lauchlan Dalgleish, Nick O’Brien, Leroy Jetta, Stewart Crameri
OUT: Patrick Ryder (suspension), Scott Gumbleton (soreness), Dustin Fletcher (suspension), David Myers  (rested), Jason Winderlich  (hamstring)

North Melbourne Kangaroos:
B: L.Hansen S.Thompson A.Mullett
HB: J.Macmillan N.Grima S.Atley
C: R.Bastinac D.Wells S.Gibson
HF: L.Adams R.Tarrant B.Harvey
F: L.Thomas D.Petrie A.Black
FOLL: T.Goldstein B.Cunnington J.Ziebell
I/C: B.McKenzie B.Jacobs L.Delaney S.Wright
EMG: M.Firrito L.Greenwood T.Garner
In: Nathan Grima, Brad McKenzie
Out: Taylor Garner (omitted), Taylor Hine (omitted)