Such are the complexities of the AFL draw, it’s just six weeks since North Melbourne last met Brisbane.

A lot has changed in that time, perhaps most significantly the retirement of Jonathan Brown, and after an 87-point loss that day the Lions will be desperate to turn the tables.

The late withdrawals of Tom Rockliff and Joel Patfull meant the travelling team was significantly less experienced than their opponents at Etihad Stadium in Round 9.

Boasting just five players with 100 games or more to their name, Brisbane understandably struggled from the outset.

Andrew Swallow returned for his first game nine months and every disposal the captain amassed was met with rapturous applause.

With 41 more disposals in the first term alone, led by Sam Gibson (13) and Brent Harvey (12), North booted the opening five goals and it wasn’t until the 28-minute mark when Josh Green got on the scoreboard for the visitors.

Scott Thompson was getting the job done on Brown, while Lindsay Thomas got reward for his effort in the second term with two goals.

Aaron Black’s third early in the premiership quarter extended the margin to 53 points, and it seemed the only question that remained was ‘North by how far?’.

The captain was subbed out with 18 disposals to his name in a solid comeback game and Drew Petrie chimed in with a much deserved goal to go with his four behinds.

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Thomas finished with a remarkable five goal assists to go with his four majors, but it was a 36-year-old veteran that took best-on-ground honours.

With 39 disposals, 6 clearances and two majors, Harvey continued an outstanding start to the year.

Gibson finished with 35 touches, off-season recruit Nick Dal Santo had 34, while Robin Nahas had his best game in North colours with 22 touches.

The Kangaroos dominated possession with 120 more disposals than Brisbane, as well as 24 more inside 50’s.

Green played a lone hand in attack with three goals, Jack Redden has 25 possessions and Jed Adcock 24 on a day to forget for the Lions.

NORTH MELBOURNE      5.5    8.11   13.18   17.23    (125)
BRISBANE LIONS            1.1     3.2     4.2        6.2       (38)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Thomas 4, Black 3, Harvey 2, Adams 2, Daw, Greenwood, Wright, Ziebell, Nahas, Goldstein
Brisbane Lions: Green 3, Close 2, Beams

BEST 
North Melbourne: Harvey, Gibson, Thomas, Black, Dal Santo, Cunnington, Thompson
Brisbane Lions: Adcock, Aish, Green, Lester, Golby

Official crowd: 21,152 at Etihad Stadium