North break Bombers hoodoo, key Roo facing MRO drama

North Melbourne have beaten Essendon by 12 points to break a decade-long hoodoo, but an unsavoury incident involving Tristan Xerri could lead to the star ruckman spending time on the sidelines.

Xerri may be sent straight to the tribunal after appearing to wipe his blood on the face of Essendon skipper Andrew McGrath during a fiery clash that the Kangaroos won 12.9 (81) to 9.15 (69).

In a first half littered with missed kicks, dropped marks and poor decision-making by both teams, the bizarre incident was the major talking point at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

Xerri clashed with a Bombers player midway through the second quarter, ending up with a bloody nose, before kicking a goal and wrestling McGrath.

The ruckman appeared to reach for his nose twice, then wiped his hand on McGrath's cheek.

Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley was suspended for one match for a similar incident in 2002, when he wiped his blood on Cameron Ling's jumper.

Asked about the incident, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson said he was unaware of what had happened.

But there was plenty to like for Clarkson, whose side led at every change and looked the stronger throughout.

Prime movers Luke Davies-Uniacke, Harry Sheezel and Colby McKercher all had more than 30 disposals through the midfield and linked up well, while veteran Luke Parker continued his strong form in the back half, gathering 33 possesions.

Clarkson was particularly pleased with Finn O'Sullivan's defensive role on Zach Merrett, who was held to just 10 disposals - his lowest possession tally since round one in 2018.

"We rate Zach very, very highly ... Finn just did an outstanding job to limit his influence," Clarkson said.

With Merrett well-held, Essendon's midfield were well-beaten.

North Melbourne won the clearance count 31 to 21, and controlled the flow of play around the ground, taking 53 more marks than the Bombers.

While Essendon's intensity was much-improved following back-to-back 10-goal losses in their opening two games, North Melbourne were still able to transition the ball from defence to attack with ease.

After an arm-wrestle in the first half, the Kangaroos kicked away to lead by 36 points at three-quarter-time.

Essendon rallied in the final term to peg back the margin, but never looked like winning.

The victory was North Melbourne's first over Essendon since 2016, with the Bombers winning the previous 12 matches between the two clubs.

"If we just keep working on our method, the wins will come no matter the opponent," Clarkson said.

Essendon's losing streak has now stretched to 16 matches, with pressure rising for embattled coach Brad Scott.

"We're going through a difficult time at the moment, but we'll be fine," Scott said.

"We've got a strategy that's really clear ... there might be some short-term pain, but we're willing to endure that."

The Bombers have not won a game since the Dreamtime at the 'G match against Richmond in round 11 last season.

With an Easter Sunday clash against undefeated Western Bulldogs looming, Essendon look likely to extend their current losing streak to 17, tying a club record set in 2016.

The Kangaroos will meet Carlton on Good Friday, with a golden opportunity to start the season with three wins from four games.