The Jack Ziebell-led Kangaroos have come from behind to defeat the Swans by two points in Coffs Harbour, 0.9.11 (65) to 0.8.15 (63).

After trailing by 20 points at quarter time, North used a quick start in the second quarter to get back into the game, with Mason Wood kicking two goals for the quarter.

Kayne Turner also showed he could be one to watch for Roos fans this year when he went up in a marking contest against four Swans defenders, brought the ball to ground and quickly kicked a goal before anyone had the chance to tackle him.

The Roos worked their way back into the game as Ziebell and Ben Cunnington had an impact at stoppages while Shaun Higgins' class was obvious.

Speedster Shaun Atley started brightly in his move to the midfield and showed in a couple of passages why he will be a valuable player, winning 24 disposals.

North hit the lead for the first time early in the last quarter when new Roo Nathan Hrovat showed composure to edge his side ahead.

The former Bulldog followed up the effort a couple of minutes later, with his small stature and nous around goal important as the Roos played their first game in many a year with Brent Harvey missing from the list.

WHAT WE LEARNED

North Melbourne: Jack Ziebell and Ben Cunnington have to control stoppages if the Roos are to have a chance, while Shaun Higgins needs to stay on the park. His foot skills stood out in this game but with the incoming Nathan Hrovat and Shaun Atley moving to the midfield, there is room for a few others to step up at Arden Street.

NEW FACES

North Melbourne: After an injury-riddled 2016, Nathan Hrovat looks set to establish a spot with his new side after showing plenty. He will provide a goalkicking option and can also play through the middle. Marley Williams made a couple of errors but should be an effective stopper in the backline. 

NEXT UP

Arden Street will host a sold-out match between two top-tier sides for the first time since 1985, when the Kangaroos face Hawthorn.

SYDNEY: 0.3.4  0.5.6  0.5.11  0.8.15 (63)
NORTH MELBOURNE: 0.0.2  0.3.6  0.5.8  0.9.11 (65)

SUPERGOALS

Sydney: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil

GOALS

Sydney: Florent 2, Cameron, Kennedy, Robinson, Hannebery, Fox, Foote
North Melbourne: Wood 2, Hrovat 2, Higgins, McDonald, Turner, Mountford, Cunnington

BEST 

Sydney: Mills, Heeney, Jones, Hannebery, Hewett
North Melbourne: Ziebell, Higgins, Hrovat, Cunnington, Macmillan, Atley, Preuss

INJURIES

Sydney: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil

Reports: Nil
Umpires: Hay, B Ryan, S Ryan, Stephens
Official crowd: 3,040 at Coffs Harbour International Sports Stadium