North Melbourne Defeats Essendon, Xerri Charged Over Blood Smear

North Melbourne secured a hard-fought 12-point victory over Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night, ending a 12-game losing streak against the Bombers that dated back to 2016. The 12.9 (81) to 9.15 (69) win improved the Kangaroos' record to 2-1, while Essendon slipped to 0-3, extending their club-record losing streak to 16 games.

The match was overshadowed by a controversial incident involving North Melbourne ruckman Tristan Xerri, who faces a potential multi-game suspension after appearing to wipe blood from his nose onto the face of Essendon captain Andy McGrath. The 27-year-old Xerri suffered a bloody nose midway through the second quarter following a clash with Essendon players Archie Roberts and McGrath. After complaining to the umpire without prompting a stoppage, Xerri marked the ball unguarded in North's forward 50, converted the set shot for a goal, and then became involved in a post-goal scuffle with McGrath and other Bombers players. Vision showed Xerri touching his nose twice before smearing his hand across McGrath's cheek as teammates intervened.

The Australian Football League's match review officer charged Xerri with serious misconduct, referring the case...