Jake Waterman hit the post with just 45 seconds remaining as North Melbourne held off a frenetic West Coast fightback to post a one-point victory in Perth.
Just a week after copping a 124-point loss at the hands of Fremantle, Jack Darling's four first-half goals put North Melbourne on track for victory in Saturday's match in front of 42,409 fans at Optus Stadium.
The Kangaroos led by 21 points early in the final quarter, but two goals to an inspired Jobe Shanahan and one to Waterman closed the margin to two.
Then with a minute to go, Waterman took a mark just 30m out directly in front.
Waterman's set shot struggles have been a huge talking point this season and the 2024 All-Australian sent his shot into the post.
