The Bombers are placed 8th on the ladder. The Roos are only six points behind but their 12th placing is deceptive. The bombers have won five to the Roos four games this season. On paper things are close but it is the recent games that could give us a hint to season trends.
The Bombers have endured several bad loses recently. Losing to Richmond in Round 9, (then after a bye) another loss to an up-and-down Melbourne and last week a loss to Fremantle 15.8 (98) d. Essendon 9.10 (64). As a result Bomber's coach, James Hird, is set to make at least four changes to his team as he searches for that extra push to swing the momentum back.
North Melbourne has had good wins over Adelaide and the Gold Coast in the past two weeks. The Gold Coast win was especially a tense one with pressure on them before the game. They had to perform against a Gold Coast side that is still developing. A loss there would have destroyed their confidence. A win, however, has cemented them as favourites over the Bombers this week. Or has it?
So which do you use to make your tips? The whole season and current points? If so, then Essendon are favourites. If you look at recent form then North Melbourne is your team. Tune in to find our Saturday.