North Melbourne's VFL side has claimed a fifth straight win after dispatching Williamstown by 53 points at Arden Street Oval on Sunday afternoon.
In one their strongest team performances this season, the Kangaroos had 89 more disposals, 26 more inside 50s and 18 more clearances.
Tristan Xerri was unstoppable in midfield in his second game back, ending the 12.15 (87) to 5.4 (34) win with 29 disposals, 11 clearances and 31 hitouts.
"He's certainly a nice piece to have out there," North Melbourne VFL coach Tom Lynch told NMFC Media.
"He was dominant. We were rapt that he got through and he had such a significant influence on the game that really set us up."
KANGAROOS v SEAGULLS Full match coverage and stats
It was a relatively scrappy start to the affair with both sides battling on the wet surface early, but after the first break it was all North Melbourne.
A magical move from Cooper Harvey (five goals, 20 disposals, nine marks) saw the young gun boot his second of the day, which was followed by a string of majors to Charlie Lazzaro, Tyler Sellers and Blake Drury to provide the home side with a healthy 25-point buffer at half-time.
"I was really proud of 'Coop' (Harvey) today," Lynch said.
"He's hit the scoreboard but his running patterns and work rate have improved throughout the season, so to see him playing the type of footy he is at the moment (is great) while being alongside some of his mates like Blake Drury, Robbie Hansen jnr and these guys at half-forward.
"They're also lucky that they've got someone like Kayne Turner down there who's a really strong influence on those boys, but also to be learning off (North Melbourne forward line coach) Leigh Adams."
North Melbourne's high intensity remained at the beginning of the third term as its midfield continued to put the visitors to the sword.
At Xerri's feet roving with intent were experienced onballers Daniel Howe (32 disposals, six clearances) and Ben Cunnington (10 clearances, one goal), while Lazzaro, Spicer and Curtis Taylor added some clever and impactful movement on the outside.
When the Seagulls did manage to win possession and attempt to gain territory, Kallan Dawson, Ben Davis and Lachie Young stood tall at half-back, with the likes of Hansen jnr and Turner pressuring the opposition ball carriers at every turn.
Majors to captain Jack Watkins and Harvey in the fourth quarter, expertly assisted by Xerri and Taylor respectively, left Lynch delighted.
"It was a fantastic, all-round performance," he said.
"It was pleasing from the first bounce to see their attitude to compete in the contest and also to spread and compete on the loose balls at the next contest.
"They all played a solid, four-quarter performance and just about everyone had a really good day."
Sellers turns and goals for his second!
— North Melbourne Reserves (@NMFCReserves) July 2, 2023
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Coming back from an MCL injury, Josh Goater played his half-back role astutely. On managed minutes, the young defender was withdrawn from the game at three-quarter time after gathering 11 touches and seven marks.
Hardened ball-winner Hugh Greenwood was a late inclusion for the Roos, replacing Connor Downie. He tallied 10 touches and six tackles, also on limited game time.
Lynch's side will finish Round 15 in sixth spot on the ladder with a trip to Geelong next on the agenda.
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SYNC NOWNORTH MELBOURNE 1.4 6.8 10.13 12.15 (87)
WILLIAMSTOWN 1.0 3.1 3.2 5.4 (34)
GOALS
North Melbourne: Harvey 5, Sellers 2, Drury, Lowson, Cunnington, Lazzaro, Watkins
Williamstown: Ebinger, Gadsby, Henderson, Ottavi, Polson
BEST
North Melbourne: Xerri, Harvey, Howe, Lazzaro, Dawson, Young
INJURIES
North Melbourne: Nil
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