NORTH Melbourne proved to be a class above in its practice match against Essendon, cruising to a 46-point victory.

Both teams will be sweating on knee injuries to key players, with North Melbourne ruck Kim Rennie ruled out in the opening minutes, while Essendon key back Georgia Clarke was in considerable pain after a third-term marking contest, injuring her unstrapped left knee.

Tahlia Randall may also be set for some concussion time on the sidelines after copping a ball to the face from point-blank range, while Maggie MacLachlan was also involved in a heavy collision, and finished the game with ice on her knee.

Essendon recruit Zoe Prowse slotted straight into the backline, and was covering the ground well despite off-season surgery on both feet.

Skipper and key forward Bonnie Toogood (18 disposals and two goals) spent some time on the ball, rotating with Georgia Nanscawen (32 touches), while Maddy Prespakis' strong pre-season was on show with 32 disposals and a game-high eight clearances.

Matilda Dyke has floated between the wing and ruck support in her AFLW career thus far, but played a full-time defensive role against the tall North Melbourne forward line.

Draftee Nalu Brothwell showed some nice signs across half-forward, kicking the Bombers' sole goal over the first three quarters, while her fellow draftee Maggie Johnstone didn't play, but has had a particularly impressive pre-season through the midfield.

Ash Riddell picked up 33 disposals and seven clearances, Mia King finished with 24 and five, and Eilish Sheerin was at her bullocking best with 26 and six.

NORTH MELBOURNE    1.1   3.2   8.5   11.5 (71)
ESSENDON                   0.3   1.4   1.5   3.7 (25)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Randall 3, Shierlaw 2, O'Loughlin 2, Bogue, Riddell, V.Wall, McElligott
Essendon: Toogood 2, Brothwell