North Melbourne has beaten arch-rival Essendon for the first time in 10 years.

Saturday night's 12-point win, 12.9 (81) to 9.15 (69), was the Kangaroos' first over the Bombers since Round 8, 2016, and improves their win-loss record this season to 2-1.

BOMBERS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

Young forward Zane Duursma kicked three goals in a feisty game at Marvel Stadium that could see ruck Tristan Xerri come under scrutiny from the AFL's match review officer.

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.

For the Bombers, Peter Wright kicked two majors but there was little else to write home about despite booting four goals in a row to close the gap late in the match.

Zach Merrett was held to just 10 disposals in a disciplined effort by Finn O'Sullivan.

Duursma kicked three of the Roos' first five goals in a scrappy first half punctuated by moments of free-flowing North Melbourne football.

After an even first quarter, tempers frayed in the second term with Xerri in the thick of the action.

The big ruck conceded a 50m penalty before being felled off the ball by Essendon captain Andrew McGrath. While Xerri lay on his back, the Bombers' attack was intercepted, the Kangaroos rebounded quickly and found Xerri, now back on his feet, unattended at the top of the goal square.

More pushing and shoving followed as tempers boiled over following an incident between Xerri and McGrath. 

When the game resumed, the Kangaroos gradually began to get their running game going.

First-year forward Lachy Dovaston was on the end of perhaps the half's slickest passage of play, goaling after a beautifully weighted pass from Paul Curtis, before passionately showing his jumper to the baying Bomber crowd.

Outside of the Xerri incident, there was plenty to like for North Melbourne, which led at every change and looked the stronger side throughout.

While Essendon's intensity and defensive system looked to have improved following back-to-back 10-goal losses in their opening two games, North Melbourne was still able to transition the ball from defence to attack with ease.

The Kangaroos kicked away to lead by 36 points at the final change, and while the Bombers rallied in the last quarter to peg back the margin, they never looked like winning.

By George, he's still got it

It's been a long wait for Kangaroos fans but George Wardlaw finally made his first appearance in 2026 after a summer complicated by injuries. The 21-year-old strained his hamstring in a VFL practice match in February, just weeks after a similar injury in the club's match sim. He was a chance to play last week against West Coast but the Roos erred on the side of caution. He was back in the thick of the action against Essendon, picking up 16 disposals, seven clearances and two tackles. After the match, Wardlaw admitted he was a "bit nervous" but got through unscathed - much to everyone's relief.

Duursma v Duursma

For the second week in a row, Zane Duursma has found himself on the opposite side to one of his brothers. Last week, he faced off against No.1 pick Willem in the loss to West Coast. On Saturday night, it was Xavier's turn. Zane got off to a flyer, kicking three goals - his best ever haul in a match - in the first half as the Roos built a commanding lead. Meanwhile, Xavier gathered 17 disposals in a solid effort for the Dons. Willem and Xavier will meet next when the Eagles take on the Bombers in round 12.

Next Up

Another six-day break lies ahead for the Kangaroos. Then it's back onto the big stage at Marvel Stadium for the Good Friday SuperClash against Carlton. The match, which is expected to sell out, starts at 3.15pm AEDT. 

ESSENDON                         2.5    4.8    5.12    9.15 (69)
NORTH MELBOURNE         3.2    7.2   12.6    12.9 (81)

GOALS
Essendon: Wright 2, Blakiston, Caddy, Caldwell, El-Hawli, Gresham, Kako, Merrett
North Melbourne: Duursma 3, Larkey 2, Trembath 2, Blamires, Curtis, Dovaston, Xerri, Zurhaar 

BEST
Essendon: Roberts, Caldwell, Wright, McGrath
North Melbourne: Parker, Sheezel, McKercher, O'Sullivan, Davies-Uniacke

INJURIES
Essendon: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil