A valiant North Melbourne Kangaroos have gone down to a fast-finishing Collingwood by seven points at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

In what was arguably the club's best performance of the season, the Roos fell just short to lose 13.10 (88) to 12.9 (81).

The Magpies finished with the last five goals of the game as the visitors ran out of legs after an impressive opening three quarters.

Despite the final result, the Roos' effort was there all afternoon and it was vital following last week's 112-point loss to Geelong.

The Kangaroos' intent was on show early with a goal in the opening seconds of the match through Todd Goldstein.

A Luke Davies-Uniacke clearance from the opening bounce found Goldstein up forward who converted one of the Roos' four opening-quarter goals as scores were locked up at the first break.

The Roos continued their brilliant start in the second term with returning skipper Jack Ziebell kicking a goal on the run within the opening minute of a four-goal-to-one quarter to help hold a 20-point lead at half-time.

MAGPIES v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

Nick Larkey, who kicked five goals on the day, continued the trend of fast starts with yet another major in the opening two minutes of the third term before the Roos extended their lead to 28 points at the final change.

Davies-Uniacke was sensational all afternoon with 33 disposals, 11 tackles and 12 clearances, while Ben McKay was a rock in defence with 14 disposals and 11 intercepts.

Next up for the Roos will be a return to Marvel Stadium to host Richmond on Saturday afternoon.

Roos' response to big week
Following last week's 112-point loss to Geelong, the Roos needed a big response and they delivered, making a statement from the very first minute against the Pies. North has made some surprise opening position changes in recent weeks, and did so again on Saturday, sending first-choice ruck Todd Goldstein into the forward line for the opening bounce. And it immediately paid off. North won the clearance – courtesy of Luke Davies-Uniacke who has been having an impressive season – and sent the ball straight into big Goldy’s lap. He converted the set shot, gifting North the early momentum and leaving the Pies shellshocked. While they ultimately couldn’t hold on until the end, North’s effort was unlike anything we’ve seen from them all season.

COLLINGWOOD             4.2     5.3     8.5     13.10     (88)
NORTH MELBOURNE     4.2     8.4     12.7     12.9     (81)

GOALS  
Collingwood: Cameron 3, Sidebottom 2, Ginnivan 2, Elliott 2, J.Daicos, Mihocek, McCreery, N.Daicos
North Melbourne: Larkey 5, Goldstein 2, Ziebell 2, Zurhaar, Taylor, Curtis

BEST  
Collingwood: J.Daicos, Cameron, N.Daicos, Adams, Elliott
North Melbourne: Davies-Uniacke, Simpkin, Anderson, McKay, Larkey, Goldstein

INJURIES  
Collingwood: Nil
North Melbourne: Stephenson (hip)

SUBSTITUTES  
Collingwood: T.Brown (unused)
North Melbourne: Mahony (replaced Stephenson in fourth quarter)