Round 16 comes to a conclusion with the Kangaroos and Bombers at Docklands, followed by the Suns heading west to take on ladder-leaders Fremantle.
Essendon will be trying to win just its second match of the season, while the Kangaroos can break back into the top 10 with a victory.
Gold Coast has been in a form slump since its Darwin trip, but the Suns will hope to repeat their stunning historic finals win over the Dockers last year.
Follow all the action in our live blog.
Sun 28 Jun 2026 at 3:10pm
Recent history between North Melbourne and Essendon
- R3, 2026: North Melbourne by 12 (Docklands)
- R8, 2025: Essendon by 3 (Docklands)
- R10, 2024: Essendon by 40 (Docklands)
- R22, 2023: Essendon by 9 (Docklands)
- R12, 2023: Essendon by 6 (Docklands)
- R20, 2022: Essendon by 48 (Docklands)
When the Kangaroos got the better of the Bombers in round three this year, it was not only the first time they had won in the last six games between the sides, it was in fact the first time they had won since 2016.
This time seems likely on form to follow the same story as last time, given Essendon has won only one game for the season, while North has won seven.
However there is a decent chance of a close one this afternoon — four of the last six have been decided by two goals or less.
Sun 28 Jun 2026 at 3:05pm
Bombers seeking a lift after tough season
The Bombers have had a rough season so far, with just one win for the year, an upset victory over Melbourne in Gather Round.
They are coming off the bye – can they bring some extra energy to kickstart their season going into the last couple of months?
Sun 28 Jun 2026 at 3:00pm
Teams are in for Kangaroos vs Bombers
There are no late changes to either team, and you can check out both the line-ups above.
For North Melbourne, there are three changes to last week’s side. Taylor Goad is omitted, Luke McDonald is managed and ruckman Tristan Xerri is out with a fractured jaw.
The ins are Josh Goater, Callum Coleman-Jones and Wil Dawson.
On the Essendon side of the ledger, the Bombers miss two key players – Archie Roberts with a dislocated shoulder, and Kyle Langford with quad soreness. Also out are omitted pair Elijah Tsatas and Nik Cox.
Into the side come a pretty strong quartet — skipper Andrew McGrath, key midfielder Darcy Parish, dynamic forward Isaac Kako and midfielder Jye Caldwell.
Sun 28 Jun 2026 at 2:44pm
Welcome to Sunday football
Hello, good afternoon and welcome to ABC’s live online coverage of round 16 of the AFL.
It’s been a round of interesting results, capped by last night’s stunning win by Port Adelaide in Showdown 60. We have two games left to finish up.
First up today we go to Docklands, where the Kangaroos will try to break back into the top 10, when they host the bottom-of-the-ladder Bombers.
Then round 16 comes to a conclusion with a fascinating matchup, as ladder leaders Fremantle seek revenge on the team that knocked them out of last year’s finals, Gold Coast.
My name is Andrew McGarry, and I will be bringing you all the action from today’s games.
Let’s jump in!
