North Melbourne has edged out Essendon in a tightly fought VFL clash at the NEC Hangar on Sunday. 

The 10.9 (69) to 12.8 (80) result marks a seventh consecutive defeat for the Dons, who found themselves in the lead for the majority of the contest prior to conceding the final three goals. 

The Bombers blasted away to boot five of the first six goals, looking threatening going forward with the inclusions of Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Alwyn Davey Jnr.  

North Melbourne replied with four majors in a row, getting within two points at the main break as the contest started to heat up.

00:57

VFL Rd 11 | Hunter post-game

Mid-season draftee Jaiden Hunter was straight into the VFL action this weekend and we catch up with him following the VFL round 11 clash against North Melbourne.

The sides continued to trade blows throughout the third term, with North timing their run late to shoot into a 10-point lead at the final change. 

A debut goal for mid-season draftee Jaiden Hunter ignited a spark for the Dons, who kicked three in quick succession to regain a slender lead heading into time-on. 

Again, it was the Roos who had the final say in the quarter, mustering a late rally with three majors of their own to break away to the eventual 11-point margin. 

Despite the result, there will be positive takeaways for a much-improved Bombers outfit, who absorbed the Roos’ attack well throughout the day and showcased their young talent in spades.

01:15

VFL Rd 11 | Tsatas post-game

Midfielder Elijah Tsatas chats following his first game for the VFL Bombers.

 One of those was top-five draft pick Elijah Tsatas in his first game for Essendon after a lengthy injury layoff, who looked explosive in three quarters of play with 18 disposals and a goal. 

Tex Wanganeen produced arguably his best outing for the year, looking creative in the attacking half with two goals from his 20 touches. 

McDonald-Tipungwuti was full of energy as both a forward and rover, with his trademark pressure and goal sense giving the team an evident lift.   

Kaine Baldwin continued his stellar 2023 form as a pillar in the back six, with Jake Kelly also providing a welcome assist in his return from concussion. 

The Dons will look ahead to a trip to Ikon Park on Sunday, taking on old rivals Carlton at 2:05pm. 

ESSENDON                          4.4     5.6     7.7     10.9   (69)
NORTH MELBOURNE        1.2     5.4     9.5     12.8   (80)  

Goals: Wanganeen 2, McDonald-Tipungwuti 2, Cootee 2, Voss, Tsatas, Hunter, Davey Jnr 

Best: Wanganeen, Baldwin, Bryan, Fitzgerald, Kelly, McDonald-Tipungwuti