THE START time of the clash between Greater Western Sydney and North Melbourne at Drummoyne Oval was delayed by more than half an hour due to inclement weather.

It was initially scheduled to begin at 7.15pm AEDT, before eventually getting under way at 7.58pm AEDT. 

AFL head of football operations Steve Hocking was concerned about lightning close to the venue, while a light tower also briefly stopped working.

The rain actually eased but three light towers at the suburban venue went out at 8.35pm, at which point North led the Giants 3.2 (20) to 1.4 (10) during the second quarter.

Umpires deemed there wasn't sufficient light and directed players to return to the rooms, with four minutes and 38 seconds remaining in the second half.

The light towers are now back on and play has resumed.

-with AAP