North Melbourne have overcome a scoreless first quarter to defeat Essendon by 30 points and keep their AFLW winning streak alive.
The reigning premiers failed to notch a single point in the opening term, before roaring back to life en route to a 10.11 (71) to 6.5 (41) victory at Windy Hill on Friday.
The undefeated Kangaroos extended their streak to 19 straight wins after being held scoreless in an opening quarter for the first time in five seasons.
Essendon, who reduced the deficit to four points late in the third quarter, have now lost their past four games after starting the season with three straight wins.
Star ball-winner Ash Riddell was busy again for the Kangaroos, after her record-breaking 44 disposal effort in last week's win over Carlton.
Riddell finished with one goal, 28 disposals and five clearances against Essendon's star midfield duo Maddy Prespakis (26 disposals) and Georgia Nanscawen (22).
Rising Irish star Blaithin Bogue and Kate Shierlaw each kicked two goals for the visitors, as did Essendon forward Sophie Alexander.
North Melbourne were without Erika O'Shea (managed), who was a late out.
Essendon needed less than 30 seconds to hit the scoreboard, with Prespakis bursting from the centre bounce to set up co-captain Bonnie Toogood for the opener.
But Toogood was denied, with star North defender Emma Kearney claiming the goal was touched - which was later confirmed by the smart-ball technology.
Essendon were eventually rewarded for their high-pressure efforts, slamming through three straight goals to build a 20-point lead.
After suffering their biggest ever quarter-time deficit in their AFLW history, North Melbourne kicked 5.5 to one behind in an explosive second quarter.
The visitors struggled to take their chances in the third quarter, allowing Essendon to remain in touch after two goals from Georgia Gee and Holly Ridewood.
But the Bombers couldn't go toe-to-toe with the Kangaroos as fatigue set in, Darren Crocker's side easily outclassing the hosts for victory.
