North Melbourne's VFL side hasn't been able to follow up on last week's big win, going down to Gold Coast in windy conditions by 56 points at Heritage Bank Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Roos struggled to keep pace with the home side in the first half, falling behind early despite holding their own at the coalface and breaking even in the inside 50 count heading into the main change.

In his return to the VFL, draftee George Wardlaw performed admirably, collecting 23 disposals, six inside 50s and eight tackles, while experienced onballer Hugh Greenwood was one of North Melbourne's main contributors with 27 touches, 10 tackles, and a game-high 15 clearances.

Tom Lynch's group made a promising start on the back of Wardlaw's, Greenwood's and Jack Watkin's midfield work, but early chances went begging as the Suns made the visitors pay at the other end.

SUNS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

An incredibly accurate start in terms of inside-50 conversion rates saw Gold Coast jet off to a 36-point quarter-time lead after booting six goals from 12 entries.

Watkins nailed a running captain's goal to inject some life into the Kangaroos at the beginning of the second term, but it was more of the same from the Suns who continued to notch marks inside 50 and convert set shots.

After trailing at half-time by 57 points, the Roos lifted their energy to kick three of the first four goals of the third quarter, with Blake Drury, Sam Lowson and Jack Mahony all chipping in during the period.

Playing as a half-forward, Drury bookended the third quarter with majors and ended his fifth game at the level with 19 disposals in addition to two goals.

The Kangaroos went onto outscore the Suns in the second half, but the damage had already been done with the former ultimately falling 12.8 (80) to 20.16 (136).

Donning a glove on his left hand, Cooper Harvey kicked a goal from beyond the arc in the final term, but as time ticked away, young defender Josh Goater was seen clutching at his hamstring while chasing a loose ball.

Forward Alex Sexton proved difficult to contain, kicking five goals and five behinds while having a hand in several other majors for Gold Coast.

North Melbourne has the bye next week but will return to action on May 7 to face Sandringham at Arden Street Oval.

GOLD COAST     6.2    12.7     16.11    20.16  (136)     
NORTH MELBOURNE     0.2    3.4    9.5    12.8  (80)     

GOALS
Gold Coast: Sexton 5, McLaughlin 4, Tsitas 3, Faulkhead 2, Jeffrey 2, Atkins, Berry, Burgess, Hollands
North Melbourne: Lowson 2, Coleman-Jones 2, Drury 2, Watkins 2, Mahony, Free, Harvey, Hope

BEST  
Gold Coast: Atkins, Constable, Davies, McLaughlin, Tsitas
North Melbourne: Wardlaw, Greenwood, Watkins

INJURIES
North Melbourne: Josh Goater (hamstring)