The Kangaroos set up the win by kicking seven first-half goals while holding the Hawks goalless.

Final scores: North Melbourne 12.11 (83) to Hawthorn 6.7 (43)

A three-goal burst by Buddy Franklin in the third term provided one of the few highlights for the Hawks

North Melbourne had nine goals on the board before Franklin opened Hawthorn’s account six minutes into the third quarter.

As well as being comprehensively beaten, Hawthorn lost Brad Sewell (broken collarbone) and Simon Taylor (broken leg) to injury on a largely forgettable day for it in front of about 5000 people.

Ballarat has become North Melbourne’s home away from home this season and the performance further cemented the relationship with the city which the Kangaroos hope will one day lead to a home and away match at the venue.

Daniel Wells (osteitis pubis) marked his return from an extended lay-off going back to last season with a lively display.

He kicked third goals in lively cameo performance before ending his day’s work at half-time.

GOALS – North Melbourne: Daniel Wells 3, David Hale 2, Josh Smith 2, Gavin Urquhart 2, Corey Jones, Matt Campbell, Ben Ross. Hawthorn: Lance Franklin 3, Carl Peterson, Brent Renouf, Rhan Hooper.

BEST – North Melbourne: Hamish McIntosh, Brady Rawlings, Todd Goldstein, Daniel Wells, Michael Firrito, Josh Smith. Hawthorn: Garry Moss, Brent Geurra, Lance Franklin, Matt Suckling, Jordan Lisle.