Essendon have improved to a 7-5 record with a nail-biting 105-99 win over North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday evening.

In the final game of Round 12, much of the storyline in the lead-up focused on Essendon coach Brad Scott who faced off against the club he coached between 2010 and 2019 in North Melbourne.

With the Bombers entering the clash as heavy favourites, they looked a class above early on with Zach Merrett dominating the opening 30 minutes with 16 disposals, five clearances and two goals as the Dons took a 20-point lead into the first break.

It was quite evident though that their fast start was on the back of the skipper as North Melbourne began to work into the clash once Brett Ratten sent Liam Shiels Merrett’s way.

Down by just two points at half-time, it was the Kangaroos who burst out of the blocks in the third term and that was without midfield duo Jy Simpkin and Hugh Greenwood who both succumbed to concussions in the second quarter.

After kicking the opening three goals of the term to bridge a 17-point lead, ill-discipline began to cost the Roos as the Dons kicked six of the last seven goals of the quarter to take an 11-point lead into the fourth.

With the Kangaroos kicking the first two goals of the term, fans were treated to one of the most exciting quarters of the season in the last as the lead changed five times.

Super substitute Massimo D’Ambrosio kicked the final major of a nine-goal term to give the Bombers a lead that they’d hold onto with the siren ringing as they sat six points in front.

Essendon great Scott Lucas credited the Bombers for showing heart in the fourth quarter when things were going the opposition’s way.

“We talk about needing a professional win,” Lucas told AFL Nation.

“Credit to the Bombers, that was it. Everything was going the Roos’ way for a while, they (Essendon) have showed a fair bit of ticker to win it.

“Well done to Essendon, they found a way and they’ll be an all-important four points.

“That’s what you’re trying to do, bank them.”

With not much splitting the teams, Essendon wingman Nic Martin proved the star late with two goals and 21 disposals after Merrett (two goals, 34 disposals) got the side off to a flyer.

Up forward, Kyle Langford (four goals) was well supported by medium targets Matt Guelfi (two goals, 14 disposals) and Archie Perkins (two goals, 18 disposals).

Down back, Jordan Ridley (nine marks, 21 disposals) was everywhere as Mason Redman (19 disposals) offered plenty of dash.

For the Kangaroos, Ben McKay was a wall in defence with 10 marks and 18 disposals while they’ll also be thrilled with the performance of highly-touted draft pick George Wardlaw (seven clearances, 17 disposals) who proved why he was rated so highly with an impressive outing.

The Bombers are now nestled into sixth position and a game inside the eight, they face Carlton in a blockbuster clash next Sunday night in a game that could be crucial come the end of the season.

While North Melbourne have now lost 10-straight, they’ll take some confidence into next Sunday’s clash against GWS in Hobart.

FULL SCORE

Essendon: 6.2, 6.6, 12.7, 16.9 (105)

North Melbourne: 3.0, 6.4, 10.8, 15.9 (99)

GOALS

Essendon: Langford 4, Guelfi 2, Martin 2, Merrett 2, Perkins 2, Stringer, Draper, Menzie, D’Ambrosio

North Melbourne: Zurhaar 4, Larkey 3, Coleman-Jones 2, Scott, Stephenson, Goldstein, McDonald, Phillips, Thomas

BEST

Essendon: Zach Merrett, Nic Martin, Jordan Ridley, Jye Caldwell, Matt Guelfi

North Melbourne: Ben McKay, Cameron Zurhaar, Luke McDonald, Will Phillips, George Wardlaw

INJURIES

Essendon:

North Melbourne: Jy Simpkin (concussion), Hugh Greenwood (concussion)

CROWD 40,488 @ Marvel Stadium

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