North Melbourne has fallen to a 30-point loss at the hands of Geelong on Sunday evening.

The Roos got off to a strong start, with goals from Aaron Hall, Tarryn Thomas and Nick Larkey opening up a 10-point lead at the opening break.

North was ferocious with its attack on the contest and pressure around the ball, restricting the reigning Grand Finalists to just one opening quarter goal, and three for the first half.

Geelong opened up the margin in the second half though, booting four goals to two in a third quarter where wasted opportunities cost the visitors.

The Roos had plenty of the ball going into attack, but were made to pay for poor use inside 50. 

It was a strong performance from David Noble's men though, with the Cats just proving too good by the final siren. 

Aiden Bonar did an outstanding job restricting the influence of Patrick Dangerfield, while Kayne Turner and Ben McKay played important roles on Joel Selwood and Tom Hawkins respectively.

Ben Cunnington was back to his brilliant best, with 29 disposals, 7 clearances and a goal, while skipper Jack Ziebell racked up 38 in the back half. 

Jaidyn Stephenson was busy throughout, kicking 2 majors to go with 16 touches, while youngster Tom Powell (19 disposals) and the classy Lachie Young (20) were influential.

North travels to Perth next weekend to take on the Dockers.

You shouldn't mess with the clearance king
There's not many better in the league when it comes to clearances than North Melbourne veteran Ben Cunnington and the midfield bull was at it again against the Cats. Cunnington - who had a one-match ban overturned at the tribunal on Monday night - gave North a great start when he picked up 11 disposals and four clearances in a dominant opening term. The 29-year-old did get a bit tired late in the contest, but his 29 disposals and seven clearances were first class.

GEELONG 1.3 3.9 7.12 10.17 (77)
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.1 3.3 5.4 7.5 (47)

GOALS
Geelong: Menegola 2, Rohan 2, Close, Bews, Dahlhaus, Tuohy, Hawkins, Miers
North Melbourne: Larkey 2, Stephenson 2, Hall, Thomas, Cunnington

BEST
Geelong: Parfitt, Stewart, Henderson, Duncan, Blicavs, Menegola
North Melbourne: Cunnington, Ziebell, Simpkin, Stephenson, Powell, Young, McKay, Bonar

INJURIES
Geelong: Dangerfield (ankle)
North Melbourne: Hall (concussion), Lazarro (hamstring awareness)

SUBSTITUTES
Geelong: Clark (unused)
North Melbourne: Taylor (replaced Hall)

Crowd: 21,282 at GMHBA Stadium