AFL R7 squad: Kangas confirm one out, stars in the mix
North Melbourne has confirmed one out ahead of Sunday's game with Greater Western Sydney at Corroboree Group Oval Manuka
AFL R7 match preview: Roos to test form against Giants
North Melbourne heads to the nation's capital this week to challenge Greater Western Sydney
Introducing our first ever Anzac Guernsey
Our first ever Anzac guernsey is a tribute worn with purpose
AFL R7 injury update: Star Roo available for Canberra trip
Young gun Finn O’Sullivan will be available for selection this week, having recovered from a fractured jaw
{}
{}
VFL R2 team: Recruit among starters for Roos' opener
Off-season recruit Charlie Spargo will feature for North Melbourne's VFL side in their season opener against Essendon at the NEC Hangar
Off-season recruit Charlie Spargo will feature for North Melbourne's VFL side in their season opener against Essendon at the NEC Hangar on Saturday afternoon.
Spargo, a free agency arrival from Melbourne during the off-season, will start at half-forward for the Kangaroos, who had a bye in the VFL competition's opening round.
He is joined in the side by forwards Jack Darling and Jacob Konstanty, who both played in the AFL team's first two games of the season.
2025 draftee Hugo Mikunda has been named on the half-backline along with Cooper Harvey and Robert Hansen jnr, with Riley Hardeman set to start on the wing.
NEVER MISS A THING
Add the Kangaroos' AFL, AFLW, VFL and VFLW fixtures to your calendar. You'll also receive official club events!
Former Tiger Thomson Dow will make his first appearance as a VFL-listed Kangaroo this weekend, as will prolific state-league midfielder and vice-captain Patrick Fairlie, who crossed over from the Northern Bullants prior to the 2026 campaign.
Seasoned defender Adam Tomlinson is back for another season with North Melbourne and will start Saturday's clash on the bench with new skipper Matthew Keast.
How to follow the game
You can live stream the match free via AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App. Head here on gameday to keep up with the score and our best performers.
Round 2
Saturday, March 28 Essendon v North Melbourne at the NEC Hangar, Tullamarine, 12.35pm AEDT
B
M. Whitlock (35)
W. Dawson (18)
B. Scott (8)
HB
R. Hansen Jnr (46)
H. Mikunda (28)
C. Harvey (37)
C
R. Hardeman (17)
O. Lowe (70)
Z. Fisher (16)
HF
C. Spargo (13)
Z. Banch (45)
R. Stevens (36)
F
J. Darling (27)
B. George (33)
J. Konstanty (41)
R
J. Tarrant (79)
P. Fairlie (51)
O. van Dam (74)
INT
H. Byrne (72)
T. Dow (49)
A. Tomlinson (80)
X. Bamert (57)
M. Keast (64)
23rd Player
X. Bamert (57)
EMG
I. Markovsky (59)
D. Macpherson (50)
A. Noblet (56)
{}
{}
VFL R2 match report: Veteran kicks three as Roos open season with loss
Forward Jack Darling kicked three goals as North Melbourne began its VFL season with a 19-point loss to Essendon
Jack Darling flies for a mark against the Bombers. Picture: Sam Connellan, NMFC Media
Veteran forward Jack Darling kicked three goals as North Melbourne began its VFL season with a 19-point loss to Essendon at the NEC Hangar.
Darling showed his class in taking eight marks and winning 18 touches as the Kangaroos began strongly against the Bombers, before fading to lose 15.8 (98) to 12.7 (79).
Youngster Matt Whitlock kicked two goals for the Roos, while Darcy Macpherson, Wil Dawson, Zac Fisher and Robert Hansen jnr were among the side's standouts in defeat.
15:02
Player watch
Having been dropped from the AFL team for Saturday night's match against Essendon, Jack Darling showed he remains an imposing challenge for opposition defenders. He kicked two goals in short order as the Roos leaped out of the blocks in the first quarter, later adding a third to go with 18 disposals and eight marks.
Young key defender Wil Dawson, who has added bulk to his frame in the off-season, led the Roos' tackle count for the day with a game-high seven. He delivered a composed performance in defence while also pinch-hitting in the ruck, winning nine hitouts.
Playing off half-back, youngsters Cooper Harvey (20 disposals, eight intercepts, seven marks) and Riley Hardeman (17 disposals, six intercepts) used their pace and creativity to provide drive as they push their case for call-ups to the AFL team.
A lively Zac Fisher also did his chances of an AFL call-up no harm. Alternating between wing and a forward role, he was among the Roos' standouts, winning 20 touches and swinging onto his left foot to kick the game's opening goal.
Playing his first full game since returning from a concussion, off-season free agency recruit Charlie Spargo applied plenty of forward pressure, while crumbing a goal to give the Roos the lead early in the final quarter.
The experienced Bailey Scott (20 touches) was solid playing on the wing, consistently providing overlap run while using his nous to win seven intercepts.
In his return from injury, reigning VFL best and fairest winner Darcy Macpherson was outstanding, topping the Kangaroos' possession count with 27. James Tarrant (18 disposals, 14 hitouts) held his own in the ruck battle, while second-year Roo Matthew Keast (22 disposals, five tackles) was strong on the ball all day.
What the coach said
VFL coach Adam Marcon on the result: "We started the game really well. In our first 15-20 minutes we had the game looking the way we wanted to, but then unfortunately for the rest of the first quarter and early in the second, we struggled to regain the momentum in the game.
"We got back in front at various stages of the game, but never quite got full control back. Full credit to Essendon, they brought great pressure to the contest, and we weren't able to handle it at times unfortunately."
On Jack Darling: "JD competed really well and showed his class in kicking three goals, while having 18 disposals.
"He gave us a really good presence up front.
On Wil Dawson: "His game was really strong, both defensively and in doing some back-up ruck work.
"He led our tackle count for today and was really positive in the contest.
On Robert Hansen jnr: "Robbie gave us some really good run and overlap from the back half.
"He was involved in a lot of our offensive chains. He's becoming used to a new position down there (in the backline) and there's going to be a bit of learning as he progresses, but we were really happy with Robbie's game.
Next Up
The Kangaroos host Carlton on Friday at Arden St Oval, in an appetiser for the Good Friday SuperClash against the Blues at Marvel Stadium later that day. The VFL game kicks off at 11.30am.
