NORTH Melbourne has beaten Essendon by 12 points to break a decade-long hoodoo, winning out 12.9 (81) to 9.15 (69) in a fiery clash.

BOMBERS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

Prime movers Luke Davies-Uniacke, Harry Sheezel and Colby McKercher were prolific through the midfield, while veteran Luke Parker continued his strong form in the back half.

The Bombers’ recent run of poor fortune continued, with warning signs evident from the first term.

At one end, Sam Durham allowed the first of Zane Duursma’s three first-half goals to sail through, giving up on the play while waiting for a holding-the-ball free kick that was never paid.

At the other, Saad El-Hawli found himself in a goal-line tangle with Parker, with a goal going begging as the ball deflected off Parker’s head for a behind.

A Nate Caddy set shot from a tight angle outside 50 put the Bombers in front early in the second term, but the lead was short-lived.

While Essendon's intensity and defensive system looked to have improved following back-to-back 10-goal losses in their opening two games, North Melbourne was still able to transition the ball from defence to attack with ease.

The Kangaroos kicked away to lead by 36 points at the final change, and while Essendon rallied in the last quarter to peg back the margin, it never looked like winning.

The victory was North Melbourne’s first win over Essendon since 2016, with the Bombers winning the previous 12 matches between the two clubs.

ESSENDON                 2.5     4.8     5.12     9.15 (69)
NORTH MELBOURNE        3.2     7.2     12.6      12.9 (81)

GOALS
Essendon: Wright 2, Blakiston, Kako, Caddy, Caldwell, El-Hawli, Gresham, Merrett
North Melbourne: Duursma 3, Larkey 2, Trembath 2, Zurhaar, Xerri, Dovaston, Curtis, Blamires

BEST
Essendon: Roberts, Caldwell, Wright, McGrath
North Melbourne: Parker, Sheezel, McKercher, O'Sullivan, Davies-Uniacke

INJURIES
Essendon: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil