Lacking polish, hampered by injuries and unable to close out a tight AFL match - a few weeks ago that summarised North Melbourne's start to the season.

But it perfectly described opponents Essendon on Saturday as the Kangaroos downed them 17.9 (111) to 12.18 (90) at Etihad Stadium.

It was North's third victory in succession and Essendon's fourth straight loss, lifting the Kangaroos within two premiership points of the eighth-placed Bombers, whose early-season promise under rookie coach James Hird is fading fast.

But the Kangaroos' momentum is building.

They had lost four previous matches this season by 14 points or less, with Saturday's match their first win in a tight game, after the Bombers came from 31 points down to hit the lead in the last quarter.

North responded with the last 4.3 of the match, although Essendon's cause was not helped by losing midfielder Heath Hocking (concussion) in the second quarter and defender Cale Hooker (hamstring) early in the third.

"The cream rises to the top in those situations," North coach Brad Scott said.

"A couple of Brent Harvey's efforts when the game was on the line and Daniel Wells' ability to go back with the flight of the ball and mark the ball in crucial contests (were important).

"They're really showing the way for our young players ... in terms of exactly how you've got to perform when the heat's on in a close game."

Big man Drew Petrie was also vital, setting up a late goal to Cameron Pedersen and capping the game with a brilliant snap from the pocket himself.

The 'Roos were hurt by a high injury toll early in the season and looked out of finals contention when they fell to a 2-7 record, but their confidence is growing, along with their complement of fit players.

Bombers coach James Hird rued a terrible start by his side, who conceded the first five goals and scored 0.8 before they kicked their first goal, after the quarter-time siren.

He said the injuries hurt their chances.

But he also blamed poor ball use, a constant throughout Essendon's losing streak.

"That to me is the one thing we need to do, is use the ball better," Hird said.

"We're getting our hands on the ball and we need to use it better going forward."

But he said despite the hype over the club's strong season start, they had never viewed themselves as more than a developing team.

One big positive was a strong game by key forward Michael Hurley (four goals), who has recently returned from injury, while key defender Tayte Pears also impressed in his first game since round 13 last year.

Hird was hopeful Hocking would not miss any games, but Hooker faces three weeks out.

North have some concerns, with ruckman Todd Goldstein needing scans, after rolling his ankle and also on report for an alleged strike, while defender Luke Delaney could face scrutiny over the clash which felled Hocking.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP