David Noble celebrates North Melbourne's win over Hawthorn in round nine, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

NORTH Melbourne players and fans alike will be buoyed by the team's first victory of the 2021 season, coach David Noble says.

With the win against Hawthorn coming on his 54th birthday, Noble has plenty to celebrate.

"It all sort of seemed to fit and line up. It was a gutsy win," Noble said.

"I'm really pleased for a range of our people, our members particularly and our fans.

HAWKS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

"They've been hanging in with us for a few weeks as we've progressively got better.

"I'm really encouraged for our players to really get that nourishment of what a win feels like. That's the direction we want to go."

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 00:48

    Breust bananas don't get much better than this

    Luke Breust lands an outrageous shot to open proceedings for the Hawks

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  • 00:57

    Wingard collects cameraman after admiring his cracker

    Chad Wingard accidentally tangles with a cameraman after celebrating his dazzling goal

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  • 00:41

    Half-back Hall has some serious wheels

    Aaron Hall shows why the Kangaroos have made him the designated distributor with this awesome play

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  • 00:56

    Moore goals for Hawks after dashing drive

    The Hawks steam through the middle and complete a superb team goal through Dylan Moore

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  • 00:54

    Roos rolling after these three beauties

    The Kangaroos are mounting an impressive comeback against the Hawks, with three consecutive goals in search of their first win

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  • 00:54

    Thomas turns one and it could be the all-important one

    Tarryn Thomas may have just snared the Roos' first win with this crucial goal in the last

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  • 03:45

    Last two mins: Roos pinch first win in thriller over Hawks

    Enjoy the thrilling final moments between the Hawks and Kangaroos at the University of Tasmania Stadium

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  • 07:51

    Highlights: Hawthorn v North Melbourne

    The Hawks and Kangaroos clash in round nine

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  • 05:06

    Noble: The perfect birthday present, 'it all lined up'

    David Noble says achieving the club's first win for the season was 'terrific for everyone involved' and a 'great reward' for his players

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  • 05:12

    Clarko: 'Just couldn't get our hands on the footy'

    Alastair Clarkson lamented his midfield group after struggling for entries in the final term, stating his defence was 'overwhelmed by the sheer avalanche at stoppages'

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  • 14:08

    Mini-Match: Hawthorn v North Melbourne

    Extended highlights of the round nine clash between the Hawks and Kangaroos at the University of Tasmania Stadium

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Hawthorn started strong but ran out of steam in the second half, leaving coach Alastair Clarkson to lament the Hawks' lack of grunt.

"We did some good things early and put ourselves in a position to win the game but from midway through the third quarter they were the better side by far," Clarkson said.

"We need to get tougher and harder, and stronger around the ball.

"The good sides are able to produce that sort of footy for four quarters and we've just been able to do it for one quarter or two quarters and that's just not enough to win games."

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