Melbourne has inflicted North Melbourne Tasmania's second loss of the season, proving too strong for the Kangaroos at Casey Fields.

Power forward Tayla Harris kicked two goals for the Demons, who led at every change to win by 10 points, 4.3 (27) to 2.5 (17). 

After weeks of struggling to convert their many inside 50s, North Melbourne was starved of opportunity in the first half due to Melbourne's strong defence, led by Libby Birch, Sinead Goldrick and Tahlia Gillard.

The Kangaroos scrapped hard to stay in touch, only to gift the Demons two goals after conceding 50m penalties. A third 50m penalty after the long break compounded coach Darren Crocker's frustration, but Harris spared the Roos' blushes by sliding her shot wide.

Trailing by 17 points at the last change, the Roos threw the kitchen sink at Melbourne in the final quarter. They gave themselves a sniff when Kaitlyn Ashmore curled home a goal of the year contender from the boundary, but were unable to inflict further damage against a stifling Demons defence.

Ash Riddell had 18 disposals by half-time, but her influence waned as the match progressed and she finished with 29, while Karen Paxman (28) brought her own ball to her wing role for the Demons and Lily Mithen (27, six tackles) was busy throughout.

Star Melbourne forward Harris increased her goalkicking streak to eight matches, also taking a Toyota Mark of the Year contender against Jasmine Ferguson.

Small defender Shelley Heath was thrown forward to play a defensive role on Roos skipper Emma Kearney, holding the rebound defender to just 11 disposals.

Roos ruck Emma King received treatment on her ankle in the first quarter and played out the game, but will need scans early in the week, while Demon Eden Zanker spent some time off the field with what was described as an "ankle stinger".

The Demons join Adelaide in the top two on the AFL ladder after improving their win-loss record to 7-1, while the Kangaroos slip to 6-2 with two home-and-away games remaining before the finals.

Roos pay the penalty

Twin 50m penalties gifted Melbourne two of their three goals before half-time. Karen Paxman was grateful to be handed her side's second goal late in the first term after Tahlia Randall ran through her protected zone, drawing a 50m penalty. Aileen Gilroy's error in returning the ball after a free kick led to the Dees' third goal, converted by Tayla Harris. With the Demons bossing the inside 50 count 18-7 to half time, it was a generosity the Roos could hardly afford.

The difference

The Kangaroos' biggest question ahead of the match was whether they could nullify the competition's second most prolific goal scorer in Tayla Harris. The answer proved to be: not for long. The Roos' defence held firm for nearly a quarter, but once Harris had her opener thanks to Gilroy's error she put her stamp on the game, taking a mark of the year contender against Jas Ferguson and kicking two decisive goals.

Did you see that?

Do yourself a favour and watch a few replays of Kaitlyn Ashmore's goal from the boundary in the final quarter. A less confident player might have chipped to the top of the square under heavy pressure from the Demon defence. Kashy threw the ball onto her right boot and delivered one of the goals of the year. It was a fitting way for the proud Aboriginal Kangaroo to put her stamp on Indigenous Round. 

What's next?

The Kangaroos' road towards the AFLW finals isn't about to get easier. One of the competition's toughest away trips awaits next round, as they head to Queensland to meet a Brisbane Lions side looking to consolidate their own place in the top six. The opening bounce in Maroochydore is at 1.10pm AEDT (12.10pm local time) on Sunday, March 6. 

Melbourne                              2.0  3.1  4.3  4.3 (27)
North Melbourne Tasmania  0.2  1.4  1.4  2.5 (17)

GOALS
Melbourne: Harris 2, Hore, Paxman
North Melbourne Tasmania: Ashmore, Garner

BEST 
Melbourne: Paxman, Mithen, Heath, Harris, L. Pearce
North Melbourne: Riddell, Garner, Bruton, M.King

INJURIES 
Melbourne: Zanker (ankle)
North Melbourne: E.King (ankle)

Reports: Nil