NORTH Melbourne has inflicted more pain on the ailing Gold Coast Suns with a nine-point win in Hobart.

The last-placed Kangaroos registered just their second victory of the season on Saturday afternoon, with Nick Larkey slotting three goals.

They were the better side against the wind in the final quarter as the third-last Suns slumped to their sixth loss in seven games.

The Suns mounted a late charge but Hugh Greenwood and Alex Sexton missed gettable set shots as the score finished 9.18 (72) to 9.9 (63).

ROOS v SUNS Full match coverage and stats

The Kangaroos would have had flashbacks to their draw against the Giants two weeks ago, where they gave up a 28-point lead.

Ben Cunnington was one of their best and finished with a game-high eight clearances, 28 disposals and five tackles.

Cameron Zurhaar kicked two goals including one from a tight angle in the final quarter that put the Kangaroos up by 18 points.

Josh Corbett was a shining light for the Suns, who were without captain David Swallow and midfielder Lachie Weller.

Corbett, recalled to the side after a five-goal haul in the VFL, booted three goals, including two in an impressive opening quarter.

Playing their third match at Blundstone Arena in succession, the Kangaroos opened up a 28-18 lead at quarter time.

Gold Coast lifted in a scrappy second quarter and hit the lead for the first time midway through the term thanks to a Sexton major.

The Kangaroos wasted several opportunities inside 50 and trailed by eight at the main break in front of a crowd of 6719.

They regained the lead with the breeze in the third term, with two Larkey goals early on setting up a 63-52 lead.

North Melbourne had a slew of inside 50s late in the third term but only managed a few behinds to take an 11-point advantage into the last quarter.

In a losing side, Touk Miller picked up a match-high 32 possessions.

Where to now for the Suns?

While the Suns’ effort against the Roos can’t be questioned, they trod a familiar path on Saturday afternoon. The Suns piled on the pressure in the second quarter but fell away fast, again showing an inability to fight for four quarters. The Suns have been mercurial this season, showing glimpses of their ability, yet completely capitulating when the going got tough. Against the Roos, the Suns again showed flashes of brilliance and intent, but couldn’t hold strong enough for long enough with any momentum seized short-lived. The Suns are at arguably their lowest ebb under Stuart Dew, with the club stuck at the lower end of the ladder for a fourth consecutive year despite a stable of high draft picks and young talent. Frustrations are surely building, and something needs to change if the Suns are to take any positives out of the 2021 season.

Battle of the Bens

Under the setting Hobart sun, a curious battle played out in Gold Coast’s forward line on Saturday afternoon. Two players, who both arguably live in the shadows of their respective AFL-listed twin brothers went head-to-head. North’s Ben McKay had the job of shutting down Suns spearhead Ben King, who has been enjoying a prolific season in front of the sticks. While McKay’s twin brother Harry is a Coleman Medal fancy at Carlton, McKay has had a solid season in defence for North, regularly tasked with shutting down the oppositions key forward. King’s twin brother Max’s inaccuracy in front of goal has dominated headlines recently, while Ben has been quietly getting the job done for Gold Coast. In Hobart however, North Melbourne’s Ben won the battle, keeping King goalless for only the second time this season.

Red-hot Corbett

After booting five goals in the VFL last week, Josh Corbett made a triumphant return to senior football. With Ben King quiet, Corbett gave the Suns a strong target up forward. The 190cm tall forward booted back-to-back goals in the first quarter, showing his strong overhead marking ability. Corbett’s leading patterns and strong body work saw him take two impressive grabs, but most importantly he managed to convert both times. His goals came at a crucial time for the Suns, with the early two chipping away at North Melbourne’s lead and helping the Suns get a little momentum. His third came just seconds before half-time, giving the Suns an eight-point lead at the main break. His second half was quiet by comparison, but his early impact was instrumental in giving the Suns a sniff.

NORTH MELBOURNE             4.4(28)             5.8(38)             8.15(63)          9.18(72)
GOLD COAST                           3.0(18)            7.4(46)             8.4(52)            9.9(63)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Larkey 3, Zurhaar 2, Davies-Uniacke, Simpkin, Turner, Mahony
Gold Coast: Corbett 3, Ainsworth, Ellis, Sexton, Flanders, Smith, Greenwood

BEST
North Melbourne: Cunnington, Goldstein, Zurhaar, Davies-Uniacke, Simpkin
Gold Coast: Miller, Ellis, Corbett, Markov

INJURIES
North Melbourne: None
Gold Coast: Anderson

SUBSTITUTES
North Melbourne: Bosenavulagi (unused)
Gold Coast: Fiorini (unused)

Crowd: 6719 at Blundstone Arena