After a promising first half, North Melbourne has fallen to the GWS Giants by 38 points in Canberra on Friday night.

Back at their home away from home where they played three games a season between 2001 and 2006, North’s forward pressure was a standout early.

Kayne Turner kicked North’s first two goals, while Andrew Swallow had 10 first quarter disposals, six of which were contested.

Jarrad Waite also impressed in the first half. After being rested from North’s JLT Series match against Hawthorn, the veteran was one of his side’s best against the Giants, kicking three goals before the break and another two after to finish with five on the night.

Shaun Higgins had 15 first-half disposals and spent time both up forward and in the middle of the ground, again showing his importance to the Roos.

Higgins and Luke McDonald were rested for the second half, replaced by Ben Cunnington and Mitch Hibberd.

Cunnington amassed 16 disposals in a half, while Hibberd had 10 and a goal as he continued to press his case for a debut in Round 1.

The Giants kicked away in the second half, Toby Greene dominant with five goals and 26 disposals and Heath Shaw finishing with 33 disposals.

North now has 16 days until it opens its season against West Coast at Etihad Stadium.

Scores

Greater Western Sydney 0.4.2, 0.5.7, 1.11.12, 2.15.17 (125)
North Melbourne 0.3.4, 0.6.9, 0.8.13, 0.12.15 (87)

Supergoals

Greater Western Sydney: Smith, Wilson
North Melbourne: Nil

Goals

Greater Western Sydney: Greene 5, Cameron 3, Smith 3, Ward 2, Coniglio, Patton
North Melbourne: Waite 5, Turner 3, Clarke, Simpkin, Hibberd, Daw

Best

Greater Western Sydney: Greene, Shaw, Ward, Smith, Kelly, Shiel
North Melbourne: Waite, Swallow, Ziebell, Turner, Gibson, Thomas

Injuries

Greater Western Sydney: Steve Johnson (concussion), Aidan Corr (hand), Stephen Coniglio (ankle)
North Melbourne: Nil

Reports: Jeremy Cameron (Greater Western Sydney) for striking Scott Thompson (North Melbourne) in the fourth quarter
Umpires: Donlon, O'Gorman, Harris