38 disposals to Shaun Higgins and 36 to Ben Cunnington, as well as impressive performances from recruits Jared Polec (23 disposals and two goals) and Aaron Hall (26 and one goal) were not enough to get North over the line against Brisbane.
The Roos gave up a 22-point lead midway through the third quarter to go down by 20 points, in front of 23,100 people at Marvel Stadium.
North's improved intent after last week's thrashing to Fremantle was clear early. The Roos were physical and moved the ball with purpose, with Polec's long goal from the boundary line helping them to a 14-point lead at the first change.
Brisbane's wastefulness was costly, coughing up several opportunities when pushing forward.
The Lions' sloppiness continued to be an issue in the second term, despite dominating for periods of the quarter, but North's midfield dominance was crucial, with the Kangaroos creating more run and carry and having a forward half that was organised and in sync.
The Roos extended their lead to the game-high 22 points in the third, when debutant and late inclusion Tarryn Thomas booted his first AFL goal.
It clicked the Lions into gear, with towering forward Oscar McInerney taking three contested marks and booting two goals to spark his side.
They booted four straight goals to end the term, with Cameron's major 10 seconds before the three-quarter time siren putting the Lions two points ahead and with all the momentum.
The Roos looked to have stunted by hitting the scoreboard early in the final term, but the Lions charged home, with Cameron kicking another two late in the piece to seal the win away from home.
MEDICAL ROOM
North Melbourne: Marley Williams hobbled off the field with an ankle concern early in the last term.
Brisbane: Dan McStay and Cam Rayner required treatment in the third term after separate heavy collisions, however both returned to the field and played out the game.
NEXT UP
Brisbane hosts the also unbeaten Port Adelaide next Saturday night at the Gabba, while North will be looking for its first win when it takes on Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.4 7.5 9.8 13.9 (87)
BRISBANE 1.2 5.5 9.10 16.11 (107)
GOALS
North Melbourne: Brown 3, Polec 2, Ziebell 2, Cunnington, Hall, Tyson, Thomas, Turner, Campbell
Brisbane: Cameron 4, McInerney 2, McCarthy 2, McCluggage, Berry, Robinson, Martin, Rayner, Bastinac, McStay, Hipwood
BEST
North Melbourne: Higgins, Hall, Polec, Cunnington, Davies-Uniacke
Brisbane: Neale, Rich, Berry, McCluggage, Witherden, Cameron
INJURIES
North Melbourne: Dumont (calf) replaced in selected side by Thomas
Brisbane: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Margetts, Fisher, Mitchell
Official crowd: 23,100 at Marvel Stadium
