Zac Banch was North Melbourne's hero against Essendon, kicking the winning goal in the dying moments for the Roos to overcome a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit on Sunday afternoon.

The Kangaroos got off to a strong start and led at half-time by nine points, but the Bombers got on top in the third term and took a 15-point lead at three-quarter time.

The Dons got out to a 21-point lead with 15 minutes remaining in the fourth, but goals from Oliver Lowe, Oliver Griffin, Lachy Dovaston, and finally Banch led the Roos to victory.

Essendon had a shot after the siren to win the game, but the stray kick allowed North Melbourne to remain undefeated at home in 2026.

The final score at Arden Street Oval saw the Roos win 14.8 (92) to 13.11 (89).

Player watch

Bailey Scott (33 disposals, six clearances, one goal) was prolific in the middle, starring for the Roos throughout the contest. His ability to connect the forward and backlines was immense, racking up six inside 50s.

Veteran Zac Fisher (26 disposals, 10 marks) was great around the ground. His ball usage was excellent, going at an 89 per cent disposal efficiency rate.

Pushing his case for AFL selection, defender Riley Hardeman (18 disposals, seven rebound 50s) was excellent. He too had great ball use, going at a 94 per cent disposal efficiency while also making some great defensive plays.

KANGAROOS v BOMBERS Full match coverage and stats

Small forward River Stevens was busy, collecting 16 disposals and kicking a goal. He played up the ground to get involved in the contest, then delivered beautiful entries with his six inside 50s to set up scoring opportunities.

Young forward Oliver Griffin (10 disposals, three goals) played in a deep forward role, using his incredible contested marking to be a constant threat, while Tom Powell had 19 disposals in his return from a groin injury.

In his first game back from AFL duties, ruck Taylor Goad (10 disposals, 26 hitouts, six clearances) responded to the omission well. He had the most hitouts for the day and played well late despite Essendon’s fresher legs due to them playing three ruckmen.

Captain Matthew Keast (35 disposals, seven clearances, two goals) was incredible for the Roos, while Lowe (17 disposals, two goals) also was a standout, especially during the Kangaroos comeback.

What the coach said

VFL coach Adam Marcon on the result: “Very pleased with how we played in the last quarter and particularly the last five minutes.

“We definitely started the game strongly, but I think we’ve got to be better at continuing our momentum in games and not letting the opposition get back into it like today’s second and third quarter.”

On the comeback: “We had some confidence in our run especially due to the number of runners we had in the team today, and we spoke about at three-quarter time our season and the strong fourth quarters we have had.

“We just built them up with belief which was great for the players, and I think we played the moments well in the last when it mattered most, and we were able to get the win.”

On what this means for the team: “This is really big for the boys. There’s been a couple times this year we’ve been on the end of those types of results.

“I do think the learning will be more about after the first quarter on how to continue when we have the momentum of the game and to continue what works well and not stray away from that. We’re building each week and hopefully we continue the good form.”

On Bailey Scott: “‘Scotty’ has been awesome for us all year, but particularly these last few weeks. He is playing a bit more of an inside mid role, which he’s responded well to using his run and clearance work, which is huge for us and him.”

Next up

North Melbourne has a bye in Round 15, returning to play in Round 16 against Collingwood. The match at Victoria Park will commence at 2.05pm AEST on Saturday, July 11.

NORTH MELBOURNE       5.1      6.4      9.6       14.8     (92)
ESSENDON                        1.5      4.7     11.9     13.11     (89)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Griffin 3, Keast 2, Dovaston 2, Lowe 2, Scott, Banch, Byrne, Stevens, Tarrant
Essendon: Gresham 3, Cox 2, Guelfi 2, Nguyen, Uerate, Brodie, Edwards, Dowling, O’Neill

BEST
North Melbourne: Keast, Scott, Tarrant, Lowe, Griffin, Logue