North Melbourne heads to South Australia to face Port Adelaide this weekend looking to clinch a fourth straight victory, and a second win over the Power for the season.
Round 17, Port Adelaide v North Melbourne
When: Sunday, July 4 at 4.10pm ACST (4.40pm AEST)
Where: Adelaide Oval, SA
How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo Sports
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CLAIM THE OFFERThe opposition
The Power made a Showdown statement in Round 16, knocking off state rivals Adelaide by 26 points in what was a significant victory under first-year coach Josh Carr.
Zak Butters was unstoppable en route to claiming the Showdown Medal. He notched 37 disposals, 13 clearances and 704 metres gained, while fellow onballer Jason Horne-Francis also starred, winning 29 possessions and 10 clearances.
Currently sitting 15th, Carr's side remains off the pace, but with a percentage of over 100 and eight matches left, there's still time to bridge the gap.
Port Adelaide could regain Miles Bergman for Sunday, with the versatile 24-year-old set to face a fitness test prior to selection.
Running hot
Harry Sheezel was simply elite against the Bombers.
The superstar midfielder racked up a game-high 43 disposals at Marvel Stadium, the most outside of his AFL record-equalling single game tally of 54 which he achieved late last season.
He registered season-highs for marks (12) and tackles (eight) and of his 43 touches, over a third were score involvements.
What the coach has said
North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson post-game v Essendon: "They were impressive (against Adelaide). We’re going to need to be up for the challenge and there were some pleasing aspects of our game today but we’re going to need to fix some things up – get a bit more polished with the ball and take those chances."
Last time we met
North Melbourne got its season off to a flying start in Round 1, breaking a run of six consecutive losses against Port Adelaide to win by 46 points at Marvel Stadium.
After an even start, the Roos took control before half-time with Colby McKercher and Zane Duursma goaling after a massive major from Charlie Comben from outside 50.
Harry Sheezel gathered 31 possessions, Luke Davies-Uniacke's talent around stoppages was telling, and Nick Larkey booted four goals in his first game as captain as the home side ran out 17.11 (113) to 9.13 (67) winners.
Tom Blamires (23 disposals) and Lachy Dovaston (10 disposals, one goal assist) also made their AFL debuts.
