North Melbourne has gone down to Hawthorn by 16 points at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Roos started the better of the two teams, and led by 19 points at the first change.

But the Hawks came to life in the second term, and despite the absence of onballers Liam Shiels and Shaun Burgoyne because of hamstring injuries, Jaeger O'Meara and James Worpel stood up in their absence to lead Hawthorn to a 13.9 (87) to 10.11 (71) victory. 

The Roos dominated play early by playing keepings off, which was illustrated by them having 50 more disposals at the first break.

However, they kicked just six goals from that point (including two in junk time) and struggled to go with the Hawks when they lifted a gear.

Brilliant Roo Shaun Higgins started in scintillating fashion with 10 disposals midway through the opening quarter, before ending with 35. Harry Morrison was assigned to him and went reasonably for a while, but a long-range goal in the second term showed Higgins couldn't be kept quiet for long.

Ben Cunnington was outstanding in the clinches, topping the contested possession count with 23, 11 more than the next best Roo – skipper Jack Ziebell.

The captain worked hard all day but would have rued a couple of missed set shots late in the third term.

MEDICAL ROOM
Hawthorn: There were a few concerns, but all returned. In the second term, O'Meara went down to the rooms with a left hip issue, Breust seemed troubled by a lower back problem and spent time on the stationary bike and Jarman Impey seemed to have a sore midriff. Blake Hardwick had his lower back worked on in the third term.

North Melbourne: The Roos appeared to escape unscathed. 

NEXT UP

North Melbourne will hope to finally post a victory when it faces Adelaide at Marvel Stadium next Saturday night. The following afternoon, Hawthorn comes up against St Kilda at the same venue.