North Melbourne has suffered its third consecutive defeat, losing to the Sandringham Zebras in thrilling fashion by three points at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday afternoon.

It was either team’s game after Eddie Ford (18 disposals) slotted back-to-back goals to give the Roos a one-point lead, but the Zebras would fight back, kicking the next three majors of the final quarter to ultimately claim a 14.15 (99) to 14.12 (96) win.

Tyler Sellers and Robert Hansen jnr booted the following two goals for the Roos, but it wasn't enough to get the win as the visitors struggled to retake the lead in the dying minutes despite trapping the ball in their front half.

Ruckman Taylor Goad got the Roos underway, kicking deep inside 50 to fellow tall Finnbar Maley who clunked an early grab and slotted the first goal of the game within a minute. 

It was a tight and even contest with little wiggle room to operate in throughout the early goings, but some crafty work inside the forward line saw Hansen jnr earn a free kick and boot the first of his three goals for the afternoon.

ZEBRAS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

The Zebras would then take charge, kicking the next four goals of the match until Hugh Greenwood (16 disposals, 18 tackles) beat his man at the top of the goal square and slot the Roos' third of the opening term.

But Sandringham piled on another three majors and headed into the first break with a 25-point advantage, which proved to be important buffer in hindsight.  

Captain Jack Watkins got to work in the second quarter, kicking two of his three goals for the day, driving his group back into the game before the main break. He finished with 23 touches and six clearances.

The sides went goal-for-goal in the third, with each club snagging two in what was the only quarter under 32 minutes of run time.

Starting the final stanza down by 17 points, the Kangas battled away to outscore the home outfit 35 to 21, however, it was the Zebras who managed to prevail.

Midfielders Charlie Lazzaro and Will Phillips were prolific in their return to the VFL side. They racked up a combined 57 disposals and 13 clearances, and both kicked a goal, with Lazzaro also contributing 11 inside 50s.

Sellers joined Ford with two goals of his own, while Curtis Taylor got involved up and down the ground, collecting 22 disposals and five marks – one of which saw the versatile No.5 clock some hang time.

Cooper Harvey got through his first game back unscathed after returning from the syndesmosis injury he suffered in Round 1.

Ben Davis offered plenty of pace off half-back on his way to 21 possessions, while Wil Dawson showed some positive signs in his return from a shoulder issue.

North Melbourne is back in action on Saturday, May 11 at Arden Street Oval against the Sydney Swans. 

SANDRINGHAM          7.3    9.8    11.12    14.15  (99)     
NORTH MELBOURNE     3.2    7.7    9.7    14.12  (96)     

GOALS
Sandringham: Collard 3, Zagari 2, Watson 2, Sharman, Ryan, Hall-Kahan, Dow, Clark, Caminiti, Brown
North Melbourne: Watkins 3, Hansen jnr 3, Sellers 2, Ford 2, Phillips, Maley, Lazzaro, Greenwood

BEST
North Melbourne: Watkins, Lazzaro, Greenwood, Davis, Taylor, Phillips