North Melbourne hosts Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Sunday in search of a third straight win.

Having struggled to beat their old rival in recent years, the Roos have the opportunity to complete a season double over the Bombers, having already defeated them in Round 3.

Round 16, North Melbourne v Essendon
When: Sunday, June 28 at 3.15pm AEST
Where: Marvel Stadium, VIC
How to watch: Channel 7, Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

The Bombers will be fresh off their bye week and looking for a reset after a disappointing opening to their season.

Their 1-13 record has cost coach Brad Scott his job, and interim coach Dean Solomon is among the front-runners to permanently replace him amid speculation that the club may turn to Essendon legend James Hird. 

Captain Andy McGrath is among a handful of players expected to return from injury this weekend. Jye Caldwell, Darcy Parish and Isaac Kako are all likely to feature on Sunday, giving the Bombers hope that they can topple the Roos and climb off the bottom of the ladder.

Running hot

George Wardlaw has been quietly building the most consistent block of form in his four-year career.

North Melbourne's fearless midfielder celebrated his 50-game milestone in last week's win over Richmond with 15 influential touches, five tackles and three intercepts.

Wardlaw is also increasingly showing he can be damaging in the opposition's side of the ground, contributing two goals against the Tigers among five score involvements.

What the coach has said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson on Wednesday: 
"There's been a healthy rivalry between these clubs for a long time. Wherever we sit on the ladder it doesn't matter, it's usually a pretty good contest.

"We've just got to try to bank as many wins as we can. Our footy club hasn't been in a position in mid-season (for a while) where we still have our season alive.

"The quality of the game doesn't matter as much as defending the ground well and (restricting the opposition) ... that will continue to be a focus for us."

Last time we met

Zane Duursma kicked three goals as the Kangaroos defeated the Bombers by 12 points in a heated Saturday night clash in Round 3.

A five-goal third quarter proved decisive for the Roos, who led at every change as they finally ended a 10-year hoodoo against their old rivals.

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.

Ruck Tristan Xerri would later be suspended for his part in an incident which saw tempers boil over in the second quarter, while first-year forward Lachy Dovaston showed his passion after a goal by showing his jumper to a baying Bomber crowd.