Young tall Wil Dawson dominated with three goals and 25 hitouts against Brisbane on Saturday, but it wasn’t enough to drag the Roos over the line.

The clash at Brighton Homes Arena was an old-fashioned shootout as the Kangaroos lost by 13 points, with the final score reading 20.11 (131) to 19.4 (118).

North Melbourne’s accuracy was one of the talking points of the match, booting through their first 16 majors without registering a behind.

LIONS vs KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

Their accuracy was not enough to best the Lions' relentless scoreboard pressure though, as the Roos conceded 15 goals across the second and third quarters.

This loss leaves the Roos two wins out of the top 10 with only three matches remaining.

Player watch

Splitting his time between ruck and full forward, Dawson arguably played his best game yet as a Roo. Along with his three goals and 25 hitouts, he also notched 17 disposals, seven marks and seven tackles.

Dawson was elite in all facets of the game. When in the ruck, he was able to dominate aerially in the contest and at ground level. When playing forward, he was able to convert his shots opportunities, including a tough set-shot on the half-time siren.

Returning from concussion, wingman Tom Blamires was excellent, notching 28 disposals, eight inside 50s and an amazing goal in the second term.

Young midfielder Luke Urquhart (21 disposals, seven tackles) was a contested bull all day. He continued his good run of form, using his strength at the contest to make an impact, tallying five clearances in the middle.

Dawson’s ruck partner for the day was Taylor Goad, who also played well in a similar role. With 16 disposals, 27 hitouts and a goal, his impact on the game was felt as he battled hard all day and continued to improve his work in the air.

Playing off a half-back flank, Robert Hansen jnr (19 disposals, one goal) was able to put his speed and footwork skills to use. He was also strong behind the ball, logging six intercepts and five rebound 50s.

The midfield duo of Darcy Macpherson and Thomson Dow had 32 disposals and a goal each, while Felix Kneipp added 24 disposals and two goals. Forwards Oliver Lowe and James Tarrant also notched three majors apiece.

What the coach said

VFL coach Adam Marcon on the result: "I thought we took some steps forward today particularly offensively. Kicking straight with 16 goals and no behinds at one point definitely helped, but obviously you're not going to win too many games giving up 131 points.

"It just means we need to find the balance between a strong offensive game and not giving up huge scores and winning the ball through the contest, and I think the third quarter in particular reflects that, so we'll review that throughout the week."

On the higher scoring focus: "We definitely had a focus today on scoring more. Last week we played really safe and conservatively, which didn’t help one of our goals as a team which is to be exciting to watch and play for. I thought we got our offensive methods right today, but now it’s just about finding that balance on the defensive side of the ball."

On Wil Dawson: "'Shotty' was really strong today in the ruck and up forward. He’s been moved around quite a bit this year in where he’s playing on the ground, so we decided to settle him in a ruck-forward role today in tandem with 'Goady' (Taylor Goad).

"His leading up to the ball today was excellent, and his ability to make a contest in the ruck is great, so we're very pleased with how he played today and his ability to get on the scoreboard."

On Tom Blamires: "Tom gave us some good impact out on the wing today, and he had some spurts on-ball too. He's handy to have at VFL level especially with his flexibility on where he can play and how he uses the ball."

Next up

North Melbourne will head to Box Hill City Oval to play against the Box Hill Hawks. The match will commence at 2:05pm AEST on Saturday, August 1.

BRISBANE LIONS             4.2     11.2      19.6      20.11     (131)
NORTH MELBOURNE       5.0     13.0      16.0       19.4     (118)

GOALS
Brisbane Lions: McLachlan 8, Hayes 2, Murphy 2, Allen 2, Hodge 2, Tilley, Beecken, Evans, Annable
North Melbourne: Dawson 3, Lowe 3, Tarrant 3, Kneipp 2, Stevens 2, Griffin, Blamires, Dow, Goad, Hansen jnr, Macpherson

BEST
North Melbourne: Dow, Dawson, Kneipp, Byrne, Goad, Blamires