Essendon VS North Melbourne

Essendon Bombers vs North Melbourne Kangaroos

105.7 – 95.0

Model Predicted Score — Essendon by 10.7

Sunday 12 April 2026 · 1:10pm AEST · Marvel Stadium · Round 3 AFL 2026
Spread Edge: 24.6% Total Edge: 23.2%
Statistical Comparison

Key Stats Dashboard

Essendon (green) vs North Melbourne (gold)

68.4
Avg Score (L5)
104.2
119.6
Avg Conceded (L5)
102.2
38.8
Clearances
44.4
48.0
Tackles
64.4
389.6
Disposals
368.2
Head-to-Head

Recent Meetings

Last 4 matches: Essendon 4-0 · Avg margin: +14.5

SeasonRoundScoreMarginResult
2025 R8 W3 +3 W
2024 R10 W40 +40 W
2023 R22 W9 +9 W
2023 R12 W6 +6 W
Form Guide

Last 5 Results

Essendon
LLLLL
Avg Scored68.4
Avg Conceded119.6
Avg Margin-51.2
North Melbourne
LWLWL
Avg Scored104.2
Avg Conceded102.2
Avg Margin+2.0

Essendon have been poor in recent form, averaging 68.4 points scored and 119.6 conceded (-51.2 margin). North Melbourne come in with inconsistent form, averaging 104.2 scored and 102.2 conceded (+2.0 margin).

Matchup Analysis

Key Matchup Factors

Top statistical advantages from our model

Clearances
North Melbourne 44.4 vs Essendon 38.8 against
North Melbourne +5.6
Tackles
North Melbourne 64.4 vs Essendon 48.0 against
North Melbourne +16.4
Disposals
Essendon 389.6 against vs North Melbourne 368.2 for
Essendon +21.4
Player Markets

Player Props & Watch List

Model disposal leans and standout performers

PlayerTeamLineModelLean
Harry Sheezel North Melbourne O32.5 44.5 OVER +12.0
Andrew McGrath Essendon O22.5 28.1 OVER +5.6
Colby McKercher North Melbourne O22.5 29.9 OVER +7.4
🔥 HIGHLIGHTED PROP: Harry Sheezel O32.5
Line: O32.5 Model: 44.5 Edge: +12.0

Sheezel has hit 32 disposals in every meeting with Essendon. Our model has him at 44.5 — a massive 12-point edge. This is the best player prop of the round.

H2H Standout Performers

Zach Merrett (Essendon)
35 disposals R8 2025, 34 disposals R12 2023
Harry Sheezel (North Melbourne)
32 disp R8 2025, 32 disp R10 2024, 32 disp R22 2023
Our Verdict

Prediction & Best Bet

Predicted Score
105.7 – 95.0
Best Bet
Essendon +12.5 & Over 182.5
STRONG VALUE BET
Confidence: 88%

This is one of the most mispriced matches of the round. The market has North Melbourne as 12.5-point favourites based on Essendon's horrific recent form (five straight losses by 51.2 points average). But our model, which weighs head-to-head history heavily, has Essendon winning by 10.7. The Bombers have won the last four meetings, and Zach Merrett consistently dominates this fixture. Harry Sheezel O32.5 disposals is a standout prop — he has hit 32 in every meeting and our model has him at 44.5. The over on 182.5 total points (model: 200.7) also presents massive value at 23.2% edge. Back Essendon +12.5 as the primary play.

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