Following a frustrating defeat to third-placed Hawthorn last Saturday, North Melbourne's VFLW prospects don't get any easier this weekend as they take on a flying Essendon side.

A strong first half performance against the Hawks saw the Kangaroos trail by just ten points at the main break, however the Hawks flexed their muscles as the game wore on and ran over the top of the plucky North side.

Sitting second with a percentage of over 400, Essendon are one of the most lethal attacking outfits in the VFLW.

The Bombers' forward line boasts the competition's current leading goalkicker Federica Frew, who booted four goals last week to take her to 17 for the season.

After North's AFLW-listed talent took a well-earned week off following the conclusion of its season, Britt Gibson, Ella Maurer and Alice O'Loughlin return to bolster the team.

Star midfielder Reni Hicks also returns for her first VFLW game of the season, after winning Northern Territory outfit PINT Football Club's best and fairest award.

The game will be live streamed for free, with the link available via the official VFLW app.

>> Full VFLW fixture and results

Sunday, April 3

North Melbourne v Essendon at Arden Street Oval, 10.05am AEST

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: 5. M McDonald, 49. D Taylor
HB: 12. R Hicks, 1. M Eastman, 44. B Gibson
C: 6. A O'Loughlin, 15. S Skinner, 2. J Mourney
HF: 7. B Slaney, 21. E Paterno, 4. A Rhodes
F: 32. A Vine, 16. G Nicholas
R: 22. E McGrath, 42. E Maurer, 23. A Scott

I/C: 29. T Moss, 18. A Melnikas, 33. T Bradley, 10. C Fitzgerald, 17. J Jones
Emg: 24. E Macdonald, 11. R Burton, 30. J Hillas