We're back at Marvel Stadium to take on Essendon for the second time this year and we want to see you at the game!

We're celebrating Kids Footy Month with FREE kids tickets, and  plenty happening at the ground for kids and kids-at-heart.

Here’s everything you need to know. 

When: Sunday, June 28 at 3.15pm AEST
Where: Marvel Stadium, Docklands, VIC 
Gates Open: 1.45pm

Member Access: Scan in using your mobile membership via the NMFC app, or by using your barcoded membership card.

Find everything you need to know about getting to Marvel Stadium here ...

Parking | Public Transport | Travel Disruptions | Accessibility 

... or get straight to the game for less, thanks to our transport partner 13cabs!

Introducing the Intrepid Footy Passport! Thanks to our official membership partner, for every North Melbourne home game you attend at Marvel Stadium this season, you'll earn $100 towards an Intrepid Travel voucher* to go on your dream trip. *Minimum spend and T&Cs apply. Find out more!

Collect your Member Cap and Scarf
Visit the Gate 5 ticket windows to collect your 2026 member merchandise. Don’t forget to have your Member Choice Voucher ready!

Future Roos Passport Prize collection 
Collect your Passport Prize for Round 16! Your exclusive badge can be collected at Guest Services at Gate 5 by showing your Future Roos passport.

There is heaps of fun for the whole family, including a pre-match parade, and a scavenger hunt with lots of freebies starting outside Gate 5.

Plus, a halftime performance by Dorothy the Dinosaur, the Tree of Wisdom and Wags the Dog from The Wiggles!

At every Roos home game this year, one lucky fan will walk away with a FREE CHiQ TV! Be in your seat early for the chance to be randomly selected as our Round 16 winner!

HOKA are also giving you the chance to win a shopping spree, so keep an eye on the Big Screen before the bounce.

Head to Gate 7 for fun for the whole family! Roo Squad will have FREE face painting, colouring-in and sensory play, as well as some Kangaroos Crocs jibbitz to give away! Take part in CHIQ's handball target, and 13Cabs and Maccas will both have their inflatables too.

Visit the Fizz Kids zone on Level 2 (Gate 2/3) for rainbow arts and crafts.

Head to the Level 1 Kids Zone (inside Gate 7) for a Spidey and his Amazing Friends themed photo experience, thanks to Canon. Strike a pose and take home your printed keepsake, then get involved in a colouring activity, where the best artworks will win a Canon camera and printer! 

Don't miss out on complimentary popcorn and whole fruit giveaways at Gate 2/3 and roaming on Level 1, until they run out. And keep an eye out for Kanga and Ruby, our beloved team mascots who will be roaming the concourse pre-game.

Our venue partner The Pass have 200+ venues available in Australia. Find a location near you to watch with other Roos fans!

Exclusive to NMFC members, receive 15 per cent off all your food and bev purchases at The Wharf in Docklands, and 10 per cent off at all other venues, when you order with The Pass!

To join the NMFC list and receive your exclusive discount:

1. Download The Pass from the App Store or Google Play
2. Sign up, and add your preferred payment method
3. Head to More > Promo Code, and enter 'NMFC' followed by your membership number, e.g. NMFC123456
4. Order using The Pass to receive 15 per cent off at The Wharf, and 10 per cent off at all other venues

Watch on TV or stream on your phone

Saturday’s game will be broadcast on Channel 7, Fox Footy and Kayo.

Become a Digital Roo member and access the all the member benefits, and a discounted Premium Kayo subscription. Buy now! 

Stay connected on social media 

For behind-the-scenes access follow the @NMFCOfficial accounts on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X.

North Melbourne hosts Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Sunday in search of a third straight win.

Having struggled to beat their old rival in recent years, the Roos have the opportunity to complete a season double over the Bombers, having already defeated them in Round 3.

Round 16, North Melbourne v Essendon
When: Sunday, June 28 at 3.15pm AEST
Where: Marvel Stadium, VIC
How to watch: Channel 7, Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

The Bombers will be fresh off their bye week and looking for a reset after a disappointing opening to their season.

Their 1-13 record has cost coach Brad Scott his job, and interim coach Dean Solomon is among the front-runners to permanently replace him amid speculation that the club may turn to Essendon legend James Hird. 

Captain Andy McGrath is among a handful of players expected to return from injury this weekend. Jye Caldwell, Darcy Parish and Isaac Kako are all likely to feature on Sunday, giving the Bombers hope that they can topple the Roos and climb off the bottom of the ladder.

Running hot

George Wardlaw has been quietly building the most consistent block of form in his four-year career.

North Melbourne's fearless midfielder celebrated his 50-game milestone in last week's win over Richmond with 15 influential touches, five tackles and three intercepts.

Wardlaw is also increasingly showing he can be damaging in the opposition's side of the ground, contributing two goals against the Tigers among five score involvements.

What the coach has said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson on Wednesday: 
"There's been a healthy rivalry between these clubs for a long time. Wherever we sit on the ladder it doesn't matter, it's usually a pretty good contest.

"We've just got to try to bank as many wins as we can. Our footy club hasn't been in a position in mid-season (for a while) where we still have our season alive.

"The quality of the game doesn't matter as much as defending the ground well and (restricting the opposition) ... that will continue to be a focus for us."

Last time we met

Zane Duursma kicked three goals as the Kangaroos defeated the Bombers by 12 points in a heated Saturday night clash in Round 3.

A five-goal third quarter proved decisive for the Roos, who led at every change as they finally ended a 10-year hoodoo against their old rivals.

Veteran Luke Parker turned back the clock with 33 disposals and 13 marks off half-back, while Harry Sheezel showed his class with 33 touches.

Ruck Tristan Xerri would later be suspended for his part in an incident which saw tempers boil over in the second quarter, while first-year forward Lachy Dovaston showed his passion after a goal by showing his jumper to a baying Bomber crowd.