AFL round 6: Essendon Bombers secure gritty victory over North Melbourne Kangaroos – NEWS.com.au

North Melbourne defender Luke McDonald has been was spotted mocking rival Conor McKenna who had a coronavirus scare last month but covering his face as the Essendon star approached.Three weeks ago, the AFL premiership was briefly in turmoil after McKenna recorded a positive result for a COVID-19 test. The 24-year-old was forced into quarantine for two weeks, and made his return during Saturday evening’s round six match at Metricon Stadium.
During a brief scuffle between Essendon and the Kangaroos, McDonald couldn’t resist poking fun at McKenna, covering his mouth with his hands and turning away from the halfback.
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It was by no means convincing, but the Bombers secured a gritty 14-point victory over North Melbourne on the Gold Coast.
Both sides were inconsistent with their kicking throughout the contest, neither club able to consistently muster goals from inside 50s.
Regardless, Essendon fans will be celebrating after the club registered their fourth win in five matches, pushing them up to fourth on the AFL ladder.
Bombers forward David Zaharakis rediscovered his form on the Gold Coast, slotting a match-high three goals, two behinds, 20 disposals and three marks. The 30-year-old guided his club to the 9.13 (67) to 7.11 (53) victory, with teammate Kyle Langford also mustering two goals of his own.
North Melbourne held the lead after the first quarter, and Essendon started the second period with consecutive behinds, both of which arguably should have been converted. The Bombers only scored three goals in their first 14 scoring shots.
With 5.11 on the scoreboard at halftime, the Kangaroos were still in the contest despite struggling to maintain possession in the second quarter.
Western Bulldogs great Adam Cooney told AFL Nation: “They’ll kick themselves out of this one if they’re not careful.”
Meanwhile, North Melbourne only managed three marks from their first 44 inside 50s during the clash.
Essendon star Dylan Shiel will be anxiously awaiting news from the Match Review Officer after he bumped Kangaroos youngster Curtis Taylor during the third term. The Rising Star nominee retired to the change rooms to be assessed for the high hit, but returned to the field soon after.
Bomber Andrew McGrath finished with a match-high 25 disposals, while Darcy Parish also impressed with 21 disposals and seven clearances.
Next weekend, Essendon are scheduled to face the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium in a Friday evening blockbuster.

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