Collingwood won a seesawing thriller by four points as the Kangaroos suffered heartbreak on their return to Friday night footy.

North Melbourne led for much of the final quarter at Marvel Stadium having overhauled a 17-point deficit in the third term, but could not cling on and the Magpies won 13.11 (89) to 12.13 (85).

MAGPIES v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

The Roos will rue a string of missed chances to extend their margin in a breathless final term. 

Captain Nick Larkey recovered from a horror start to the game to kick three goals, including two critical late shots as his side pressed for the win. 

The Kangaroos should perhaps have been in front by half-time but squandered some opportunities and found themselves trailing by five points.

Larkey found himself squarely in the spotlight right from the opening ball-up.

The skipper hit both posts from close range and kicked a third behind, all in the first 15 minutes, before finally getting on the board by converting a set shot from 25m.

When the Roos were able to rebound from half-back they were dangerous, with Paul Curtis and Cooper Trembath the beneficiaries as the sides went goal for goal. 

Trembath added another big pack mark to his expanding showreel, while Curtis looked sharp on his return from suspension, kicking three goals.

Both sides lost players before half time. Kangaroo Tom Blamires' evening ended early after he was concussed in a tackle from Collingwood's Jack Crisp, while the Magpies lost Lachie Schultz to injury. 

More to come.

COLLINGWOOD            4.4   7.5  10.7  13.11 (89)
NORTH MELBOURNE    3.4   6.6  9.10  12.13 (85)

GOALS
Collingwood: McStay 3, Lipinski 2, Membrey 2, Cameron, Crisp, N Daicos, Pendlebury, Schultz, Swadling
North Melbourne: Larkey 3, Curtis 3, Banch, Darling, Hardeman, Spargo, Trembath, Xerri