North Melbourne has come away with an encouraging 17-point win after defeating Footscray at Ikon Park on Saturday evening.

Aidan Corr starred for the Roos behind the ball in the 12.13 (85) to 10.6 (68) practice match victory, working in tandem with Jarrod Lienert who also played an important role in defence.

Young gun Curtis Taylor controlled his wing throughout the contest, while pushing deep into defence and attack when necessary to an effective extent.

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Despite conceding the opening goal, Tom Lynch's side was switched on early, and went into quarter-time with a five-point lead, before booting five goals to Footscray's one in the following term.

Eddie Ford, who was lively over all four quarters, made his presence felt in the first half with three goals, while exciting VFL-listed forward Tyler Sellers kicked two of his own.

"We have a number of guys pushing for senior selection and are really close, so I was really happy for (Ford) with the day that he had," VFL head coach Tom Lynch told North Media post-game.

Ford and Sellers were ably supported by the evasive Phoenix Spicer who was a classy mover inside 50 and a constant disruptor when on the chase.

Cooper Harvey didn't need a bulk of possessions to exhibit his talent either. The 56th selection of the 2022 National Draft used his pace and smarts to get involved and create problems for the opposition.

Notably, North Melbourne's consistent pressure and overall solid defensive structure made it difficult for the Bulldogs to progress forward, while the Roos themselves found ways to intercept and launch attacks through Blake Drury and Aaron Hall off the turnover.

Imposing himself in the midfield was Hugh Greenwood, who worked efficiently with Charlie Lazzaro, Nick Stevens, Jack Watkins and Hamish Free as the main ruck.

"Hughy (Greenwood) was terrific in there today for us, as well as a number of our other senior guys in the back-half, too," Lynch said.

A terrific grab and goal from Jacob Edwards got the Kangaroos going again at the start of the fourth term after a relatively even third quarter, but the period belonged to the Bulldogs who added a few of their own as the game drew to a close.

"I was really impressed with how our boys, from an AFL and VFL perspective, connected and gelled together  ... and to play our way was unreal," Lynch said.

"We're healthy from an AFL standpoint now in terms of having as many players available as we did today ... and we've been really pleased with the VFL group we've been able to put together over the summer.

"And those boys have been fantastic at learning the way we want to play, so we couldn't be more pleased with the position that were in to call upon those guys when we need to."

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FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS     2.2     3.4     5.7     10.8 (68)
NORTH MELBOURNE          2.7     7.11     10.13     12.13 (85) 

NORTH MELBOURNE GOALS
Ford 3, Sellers 2, Spicer, Coleman-Jones, Taylor, Greenwood, Edwards, Greenwood, Harvey

NORTH MELBOURNE BEST
Corr, Taylor, Ford, Greenwood, Hall, Drury

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