North Melbourne have survived a final quarter burst from Essendon to take out a VFLW win at the NEC Hangar. 

The 5.7 (37) to 6.9 (45) contest saw the Roos in front for most of the day, even leading by as many as 22 points late in the third term, before the Dons came charging back.  

Olivia Manfre and Mia-Rae Clifford hit the scoreboard on either side of the final break to see hope restored for the Bombers, who refused to be put away. 

Two team-lifting finishes from Tia Davidge and Maddi Wilson within a minute broke the game open for the Dons, who trailed by just three points at the halfway mark of the last quarter.

 Despite repeat attacks, Essendon found themselves unable to break through in the final 10 minutes, with a late goal to the Roos putting the result beyond doubt. 

The Dons can still walk away spirited, having shown plenty of grit to get themselves back in the game late. 

Clifford was Essendon’s liveliest option forward with two goals, while the run provided by Courtney Ugle helped to turn the tide in the second half. 

Tackling machine Grace Dicker followed up again with 19 tackles and Jaimee-Lee Morrow fought hard in the ruck with 28 hit-outs. 

Essendon will be looking to bounce back in a critical clash with Casey at 12pm on Saturday at Casey Fields. 

ESSENDON                          1.3     1.3     2.5     5.7   (37) 
NORTH MELBOURNE        1.3     2.8     4.9     6.9   (45)  

Goals: Clifford 2, Wilson, Manfre, Davidge 

Best: Molan, Clifford, Ugle, Dicker, Davidge