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).

BOMBERS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

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.

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.

ESSENDON                         5.2     8.3    12.4   15.8 (98)
NORTH MELBOURNE         4.2     8.2    11.5   12.7 (79)

GOALS
Essendon: Edwards 5, Robey 4, Bella, Cox, Eckersley, Gallagher, Hately, Unwin
North Melbourne: Darling 3, Whitlock 2, Bamert 2, Fisher, Lowe, Macpherson, Spargo, Stevens