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HOSTING another game in Perth, North Melbourne will be desperate for an improved performance against West Coast.
North Melbourne (5-7) put on a horror show at its home away from home in Bunbury when conceding the last 19 goals of the game in a humbling defeat to the red-hot Fremantle.
The Kangaroos have now conceded seven goals or more in a quarter seven times this season and need to find a way to slow – or even stop – opposition run-ons if they are to snap their 0-6 record away from Docklands this year.
West Coast (4-9) was given a reminder of the improvements it has made this year as it was left frustrated after failing to take its chances late in the game for a heartbreaking defeat to Port Adelaide.
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Essendon won the third quarter. I guess when the club is in struggle town you have to enjoy small victories.
They opened the quarter with greater spirit, kicking the first three goals after half-time – a snap to Nik Cox, a set shot from Hussien El Achkar and a snap from Sullivan Robey.
But Melbourne slowed the game to a crawl and then claimed a late goal through Harrison Petty.
The Bombers won the quarter – 3.2 (20) to 1.4 (10) – but trail in the match – 10.14 (74) to 6.7 (43).
Joel Fitzgerald has hit the ground running in his first game for Melbourne.
The mid-season rookie draft selection has had 19 possessions so far in this match.
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Double Debut | Demon duo set for the ‘G
Melbourne has announced a double debut ahead of Saturday’s match against Essendon
JUST 16 days on from joining the AFL world, mid-season draftees Lukas Cooke and Joel Fitzgerald will make their debut against Essendon on Saturday.
Cooke’s debut comes after a dominant display in the VFL, patrolling Casey’s backline with 32 disposals, 13 intercepts and 11 marks. While Cooke has spent time playing across multiple positions, he flourished as a defender in the SANFL, averaging 18 disposals and eight marks prior to being drafted.
The tall defender arrived at Melbourne following five years building his craft playing for the Woodville-West Torrens Eagles.
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