Dominant Dons fly into top two as North Melbourne fall to ten straight losses

Essendon has leapfrogged into the top two, claiming a strong 40-point victory over the luckless North Melbourne.

North Melbourne burst out the gates, with Luke Davies-Uniacke and the Kangaroos midfield dominating in the first term to break out to an early lead.

However, it didn’t take long for the Bombers to fire back, with late-in Elijah Tsatas capping off his strong quarter with a goal to give the Dons the advantage at the first break.

Essendon were able to transition from the back half of Marvel Stadium a little too easily - a common feature of North Melbourne’s high-pace game style – but the ‘Roos stuck around, making the most of their midfield wins and remaining within striking distance at the half.

The floodgates opened for the Bombers in the third term, nailing opportunities from all angles en route to an eight-goal term, their highest scoring quarter of the season.

Just one goal in the final term for Essendon as they claim the win (16.10) 106 to (10.6) 66.

Matt Guelfi continued his impressive form, securing three goals and proving influential in his 100th game, particularly while the game was in the balance.

Peter Wright played an important role, booting four majors while also playing second string in the ruck.

On the other end, Nick Larkey was well held by former teammate Ben McKay, forcing the key up the ground and holding him to just one goal for the game.

Despite the result, Alastair Clarkson’s midfield experiment appears highly successful, with the Kangaroos winning the clearance battle 41 to 29, with Harry Sheezel spending a large portion of the first half in the centre of the park.

The last time the Bombers sat in the top two after 10 games was Round 17 of the 2013 season, while North Melbourne have now lost 17 straight away games as they fall to 0-10.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t get much easier for North Melbourne, with Port Adelaide to come before their bye in Round 12.

Essendon will suit up for the 18th edition of Dreamtime at the ‘G against Richmond next Saturday night in a bid to remain in the top two.