It was a return to Arden Street for North Melbourne's clash against Melbourne, but ultimately a disappointing day.

The hotly contested game could have swung either way for much of the first half, but momentum fell the way of the Demons, who won by 22 points. 

Melbourne took the ascendancy from midway through the second quarter, and never looked back.

North never really get going, only enjoying brief stints of controlling the play in the first and fourth quarters. 

Despite the loss, the game served as a great opportunity for some of the Roos' youngsters to impress.

Charlie Comben and Lachie Hosie were dangerous up forward, as the two combined for an early major. 

After Comben booted his first, Hosie then kicked one of his own in the second quarter.

Tristan Xerri was a physical presence in the middle of the ground, with some slick ruck work complementing his attack on both the footy and the opposition. 

His all-round solid game was topped off with a goal in the final quarter.

The game also marked the return of Dom Tyson and Aaron Hall to the senior setup, with both players missing chunks of the 2019 season.

Hall worked hard to provide an outlet all game, with his pace and power proving difficult for the Melbourne defenders to deal with.

Tyson showed his trademark grit through the midfield, often leading the way with his hard-nosed approach.

Robbie Tarrant also made a successful return, back into the fold after suffering a foot injury in training two weeks ago.

The vice-captain not only led the backline with authority in limited game time, but showed no signs of the injury that has kept him sidelined.

New recruit Josh Walker joined Tarrant in defence and continued his strong pre-season form, once again holding the fort with his trademark intercept marking.

North’s pre-season continues next week with a return to the Marsh Community Series, where it will look to bounce back.