NORTH Melbourne has gone through the motions to record a 30-point win over Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, with its mind seemingly already on its elimination final clash against Essendon next weekend.
The Roos rested four key players from the clash and, having already locked up sixth spot on the ladder and a home elimination final against Essendon, did what they had to do – and little more – against the Demons to record a 19.9 (123) to 14.9 (93) win.
The Roos' win could come at a significant cost, with Lachlan Hansen lasting only a half in his first game back from three weeks on the sidelines with a groin hip injury.
The key defender was substituted out of the game at half-time and must now be extremely unlikely to play in the Roos' elimination final clash against Essendon next weekend.
Forward Leigh Adams also left the ground midway through the third quarter after landing heavily in a marking contest and did not return, while key defender Nathan Grima finished the game with a heavily strapped left thigh after receiving a knock in the second quarter.
North's win was its 13th in a row against Melbourne – the Demons' last win over the Roos was way back in round 20, 2006 – and stretched its undefeated record against the Demons at Etihad Stadium to 8-0.
The Roos looked set for an easy night at their home ground when they kicked the opening three goals of the game to lead by 18 points after seven minutes of play.
But Melbourne kicked seven of the next nine goals and led by 13 points when Dean Kent kicked a behind at the 16-minute mark of the second quarter, eventually going into half-time level with the Roos.
The Roos broke the game open with a five-goal-to-one third term and were never seriously challenged from there.
North coach Brad Scott said he was happy with his team's start to the game and was confident they were ready for the Bombers next Saturday night.
"I thought the start was critical, the way they started told me their attitude was right," Scott said.
"But then as the game goes on it's human nature to start thinking about next week.
"It will be on from the opening bounce and for four quarters next week, and we're under no illusions about that - they'll be ready."
The Dees' loss was their 10th in a row, their stirring one-point win against Essendon in round 13 seeming an eon ago.
But the Demons' score was their highest for the season, eclipsing the 91 points they scored in their round nine defeat of Richmond.
The Demons finished their first season under coach Paul Roos with four wins, double their 2013 tally. They look set to finish 17th and will avoid the wooden spoon if St Kilda loses to Adelaide on Sunday.
Melbourne coach Paul Roos was happy with his team's offensive play, but disappointed to concede 19 goals to the Roos.
"I think it probably summed up the year for us, when we've tried to be a bit more offensive in the last six or seven weeks, it's opened us up defensively," Roos said.
"We spoke a lot about that during the week, so it's just about finding the balance over summer between defence and attack.
"Tonight I thought was our best offensive game of the year, but at the expense of defence."
North skipper Andrew Swallow continued his return to his best form, racking up a game-high 11 clearances to help the Roos' gain the midfield ascendancy.
Daniel Wells, playing just his second game since round five, found valuable fitness and touch, finishing the match with 20 possessions and showing glimpses of his game-breaking run.
Third-gamer Kayne Turner (four goals) and Ben Brown (three goals) were livewires in attack, while Mason Wood (three goals) showed a clean pair of hands and a sure left foot in his debut game.
In possibly his last game for the Demons, unrestricted free agent James Frawley stood North spearhead Drew Petrie.
In an audition that would have impressed his rival suitors, led by Geelong, Gold Coast and Hawthorn, Frawley held Petrie to one goal.
Nathan Jones (27 possessions), Bernie Vince (25 possessions and one goal) and Dom Tyson (24 and two) were among the Dees' best, as was Dean Kent (three goals).
Injury-prone Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn was substituted out of the game in the second quarter with a right knee injury.
Demons forward Chris Dawes could face a delayed start to next season after appearing to make bump Swallow in the head late in the third term, an incident that is almost to be scrutinised by the Match Review Panel.
The Roos should be strengthened by the return of rested player, Todd Goldstein, Luke McDonald, Lindsay Thomas and Michael Firrito, while Levi Greenwood (calf) is also expected to be available to take on the Bombers.
NORTH MELBOURNE 4.3 8.5 13.9 19.9 (123)
MELBOURNE 4.3 8.5 9.7 14.9 (93)
GOALS
North Melbourne: Turner 4, Brown 3, Wood 3, Ziebell 2, Petrie, Adams, Atley, Bastinac, Mullett, Dal Santo, Currie
Melbourne: Kent 3, Dawes 2, Fitzpatrick 2, McDonald 2, Tyson 2, Jamar, Vince, Dunn,
BEST
North Melbourne: Swallow, Atley, Wells, Ziebell, Brown, Turner, Thompson
Melbourne: Kent, Tyson, Vince, Viney, Frawley, Dawes
INJURIES
North Melbourne: Lachlan Hansen (hip soreness), Leigh Adams (concussion), Nathan Grima (left quad)
Melbourne: Max Gawn (right knee)
SUBSTITUTES
North Melbourne: Nick Dal Santo replaced Lachlan Hansen at half time
Melbourne: Aidan Riley replaced Max Gawn in the second term
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Bannister, Hosking, Schmitt
Official crowd: 17,174 at Etihad Stadium
