North Melbourne has fallen to a 33-point loss against Richmond at the MCG. 

The Roos dominated early and led by 26 points close to the main break, with their dare through the corridor and ability to hit uncontested targets proving the difference in the opening two quarters. 

Richmond's pressure ramped up early in the third term though, with the home side booting 12 of the last 15 goals of the game.

North showed plenty of positive signs against the reigning premiers, as its young midfield brigade again stood tall.

Luke Davies-Uniacke surpassed his previous career-best disposal tally by 10, racking up 38 touches for the game, while Jy Simpkin was brilliant, particularly in the first half, finishing with 34 disposals. 

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Aaron Hall was a constant presence running out of defence, amassing 37 possessions, while Cam Zurhaar kicked 4 goals.

North was left to rue several missed chances in front of goal in the opening half, with Richmond failed to register a single centre clearance and the Roos well on top. 

Just two rounds remain in the 2021 campaign season, with a clash against Sydney next for the improving North side. 

North Melbourne's centre clearance dominance continues
Promisingly for the Roos, one of their biggest strengths was in the middle, as it has been for the past few weeks. With talismanic midfield bull Ben Cunnington sidelined due to a tumour, Jy Simpkin, Tarryn Thomas, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Jed Anderson continued their fine clearance form, working well with Todd Goldstein. They won the centre clearances 14-7 and overall clearances 32-20.

RICHMOND                    0.3    2.4    9.6    13.11 (89)                
NORTH MELBOURNE    3.4    5.6    7.8    8.8 (56)

GOALS
Richmond: Edwards 2, Coleman-Jones 2, Riewoldt 2, Baker 2, Bolton, Rioli jnr, Parker, Ralphsmith, Prestia
North Melbourne: Zurhaar 4, Larkey, Scott, Taylor, Mahony

BEST
Richmond: Graham, Prestia, Cotchin, Baker, Nankervis, Vlastuin
North Melbourne: Simpkin, Davies-Uniacke, Zurhaar, Hall, McKay, Ziebell

INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil

LATE CHANGES
Richmond: Kamdyn McIntosh (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Thomson Dow
North Melbourne: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Castagna (unused)
North Melbourne: Phillips (unused)