Highly rated forward Brayden George will play his first minutes of competitive football in 320 days on Friday when North Melbourne's VFL side challenges Essendon at Windy Hill.

George suffered the second ACL injury of his young career last June, but has been flawless in his rehab and will make his long-awaited return tomorrow afternoon, playing capped minutes.

Experienced defenders Griffin Logue, Aidan Corr and Zac Fisher join George as inclusions and are set to bolster the backline.

Draftee Matt Whitlock has quickly shaken off an ankle complaint and will start on the interchange alongside Roos debutant Nathaniel Sulzberger, while Darcy Tucker rounds out the inclusions.

Kallan Dawson, Riley Hardeman, Finnbar Maley, Bailey Scott and Will Phillips are all on AFL duty after helping North Melbourne claim a two-point win over Carlton last time out in the Reserves.

Adam Tomlinson (managed) and McLaren Spiteri (omitted) also make way.

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Round 6

Friday, May 2
Essendon v North Melbourne at Windy Hill, 2.05pm AEST

North Melbourne has picked up its third win in a row, overcoming a resilient Essendon side to claim a 12.11 (83) to 10.13 (73) victory on Friday afternoon at Windy Hill.

Sparked by back-to-back goals from skipper Darcy Macpherson, a dominant final quarter saw the Kangaroos stretch the lead out to 22 points, which proved to be enough to see off the Bombers.

BOMBERS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

The visitors gained the ascendancy early with three quick goals late in the first term to open up an 18-point margin going into quarter-time, before the Bombers clawed their way back into the game, taking the lead heading into the final stanza.

Player watch

Lining up deep in the forward line, Wil Dawson (13 disposals, seven marks) was instrumental in the Roos' hot start. The big man’s marking on the lead and in contests saw him rewarded with three goals, including a goal-of-the-day contender from deep in the pocket.

Darcy Tucker (22 disposals, four clearances) was one of the best afield for the Roos, playing most of the afternoon in the middle. The experienced midfielder was a presence at every contest and even drifted forward to kick a brilliant on-the-run long range goal midway through the second term. 

Toby Pink (15 disposals, 10 intercepts) stood tallest in a stacked North Melbourne backline that was tested consistently tested by the Essendon attackers. The No.32 helped set the tone, taking three early intercept marks to help the Roos establish an early advantage. Fellow defender Zac Fisher picked up a team-high 28 touches.

In his return from an ACL injury, Brayden George competed hard in his managed minutes. Playing as a deep forward, the young forward laid three tackles and notched three disposals.

Dangerous smalls Geordie Payne (15 disposals, nine tackles) and Cooper Harvey (16 disposals, three tackles) brought the heat with their pressure, while Harvey was able to hit the scoreboard with two goals.

After serving as the AFL substitute on Thursday evening, Bailey Scott saw game time at Windy Hill and grabbed 18 possessions as he worked up and down the field. 

Shifted into the midfield in the last quarter, Darcy Macpherson snatched the game away from the Bombers, kicking two majors before setting up a Dawson goal to put his side in the box seat.

Nathaniel Sulzberger was impressive on debut, picking up 22 disposals.

What the coach said

VFL Coach Tom Lynch on the win: "It was a really hard-fought win for the lads. We knew we were going to have our work cut out, so we're extremely pleased to walk away with the four points, albeit a nervous one in the end."

On Wil Dawson: "I'm really pleased with Wil. With Finnbar Maley going into the senior side, we really needed someone to be able to straighten us up, and he provided a great target for us all day.

"He also brought our smalls into the game. His work allowed guys like Geordie Payne, River Stevens, Cooper Harvey and Robert Hansen jnr to be able to create opportunities for themselves."

On the inclusions: "Obviously a lot of experience coming back in the team this week with Aidan Corr, Griffin Logue, Darcy Tucker and Zac Fisher back in the side. Those guys battled really hard and stood up late, especially when our defence was under pressure."

On Goad and Teakle: "Taylor Goad is showing a lot of great signs in terms of his development and Teakle is doing a great job of not only being combative in the ruck, but also being a great target up forward for us as well."

Next up

North Melbourne will look to keep its strong run of form going when it returns to Arden Street to take on the Brisbane Lions on Saturday, May 10. The first bounce is scheduled for 12.05pm AEST.

ESSENDON                       1.2     4.5    7.10   10.13    (73)
NORTH MELBOURNE       4.3     6.6     7.7     12.11   (83)

BEST
North Melbourne: W Dawson, Macpherson, Payne, Tucker, Fisher, Pink, Harvey

GOALS
Essendon: Gerreyn 3, Eckersley, Guelfi, Unwin, Smartt, Hately, Lual, Visentini
North Melbourne: W Dawson 3, Harvey 2, Macpherson 2, Tarrant, Hansen jnr, Tucker, Urquhart, Teakle

LATE CHANGES
North Melbourne: Bailey Scott replaced Ben Hopkins