North Melbourne has fallen to a convincing defeat at the hands of Richmond in its second JLT Series match.

The Roos showed some good signs early, and were right in the match until midway through the second quarter, from which the reigning premiers dominated.

Shaun Higgins was a standout for North, finishing with 31 disposals, 5 clearances, 5 tackles, 8 inside 50s and a goal, while Ben Cunnington (28 disposals, 9 clearances), Jack Ziebell (24 possessions) and Marley Williams (22 touches, 9 rebound 50s) all battled hard.

First-year rookie Tom Murphy looked comfortable in defence in the second half, alongside Ryan Clarke, who continued to provide drive, even when the game was lost.

North will play its first game of the 2018 home and away season on March 24 against the Gold Coast Suns in Cairns. 

New faces (AFL.com.au) 

Rookie defender Tom Murphy impressed in some contests, showing composure in a role across half-back. The 20-year-old played just under a half and didn't waste the ball when he had it. Prized draftee Luke Davies-Uniacke got another taste of senior football and was caught out by the speed of the game at times, but he worked his way into the contest and came out with 16 disposals.

RICHMOND 3.4 8.6 13.10 19.14 (128)
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.3 4.7 7.8 8.10 (58) 

GOALS
Richmond: Lambert 4, Moore 2, Riewoldt 2, Butler 2, Caddy 2, Castagna, Townsend, Bolton, Lloyd, McIntosh, Grigg, Cotchin
North Melbourne: Waite 2, Garner, Brown, Hrovat, Turner, Goldstein, Higgins    

BEST 
Richmond: Caddy, Lambert, Martin, Edwards, Nankervis, Butler, Cotchin 
North Melbourne: Higgins, Ziebell, Macmillan, Cunnington 

Reports: Nil 
Umpires: Findlay, Nicholls, Gavine  
Official crowd: 4,197 at Ikon Park