He was a top three pick for a reason, and Harry Sheezel's first hitout against AFL opposition was full of confidence from the opening bounce.

The Roos fell just short of a Richmond side that rotated through its stars, the Tigers saluting 11.9 (75) to 10.13 (73) in blustery conditions at Arden Street.

North Melbourne was composed and well-disciplined in its first competitive run under new coach Alastair Clarkson, spreading the Richmond defence and creating space in attack.

Sheezel was simply outstanding early, playing across half-forward and pushing into the middle at times, booting two goals in the first quarter.

Despite experiencing some quieter periods, he bobbed up in the fourth term for a clever third goal.

North Melbourne went with a very tall forward line, with Nick Larkey, Callum Coleman-Jones, Charlie Comben and Eddie Ford all featuring; Comben in particular having some promising moments up against established Richmond defenders like Dylan Grimes, Robbie Tarrant (playing a half each) and Noah Balta.

Will Phillips showed some nice signs running through the middle, while Luke Davies-Uniacke picked up where he left off with a very professional performance.

Griffin Logue got through three pre-determined quarters in his first North Melbourne outing, the former Docker wearing a glove to protect his dislocated finger.

The Tigers began to roll through the changes after three of the six terms (the latter two featuring mostly VFL players), with Noah Cumberland, Biggie Nyuon, Thomson Dow, Ivan Soldo and Seth Campbell taking to the field, while Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin rested.

Both clubs agreed to running a drill in the final two minutes of the second and third quarters, returning to the middle of the field for a centre bounce. Richmond – as the team in front at the time – set up as if defending a lead of less than a goal, while North Melbourne attempted to hit the front. The Tigers sent Cotchin into the middle for the "final minutes".

The Roos missed Jy Simpkin, Ben Cunnington and Todd Goldstein (rested), Darcy Tucker (knee) and Tarryn Thomas (leave).

The Tigers were without Tom Lynch (foot), Shai Bolton (personal reasons), Marlion Pickett (general sorenss), Liam Baker (appendix), Nathan Broad (hamstring) and Jack Graham (toe).

NORTH MELBOURNE'S YOUNG GUNS

All eyes were on Sheezel from the get-go, showing composure and neat skills while at full pace. Phillips was a composed presence in the engine room, while Paul Curtis was dangerous inside forward 50, setting up a number of Kangaroos goals. And Comben, who is trending in the right direction for a Round 1 appearance, was an ever-present threat when the Roos were on the attack.

SWITCHING POSITIONS

Keep your eye out for greater midfield time for Cam Zurhaar, the bullocking North Melbourne forward spending considerable time at centre bounces to good effect. The two former skippers in Trent Cotchin and Jack Ziebell went head-to-head, Cotchin kicking a neat front-and-centre goal in the second term in his new predominantly forward role. 

INJURY WATCH

Larkey sent a minor scare through North Melbourne fans, limping off in the first quarter after a marking contest, but returned before the first break. Other than that, it was a clean bill of health for both sides.

NORTH MELBOURNE     3.2     4.6     7.9     10.13     (73)    
RICHMOND                   1.4     6.4     9.8     11.9     (75)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Sheezel 3, Comben 2, Larkey 2, Zurhaar, Ford, Turner
Richmond: Ryan 2, Taranto 2, Rioli jnr, Cotchin, Prestia, Riewoldt, Martin, Clarke, Campbell