North Melbourne held off Kuwarna to record an eight-point win on Friday night, taking another step towards the minor premiership.

The Kangaroos made Kuwarna pay for missed chances, before fighting off a late charge on their way to a 6.5 (41) to 4.9 (33) victory in an Indigenous Round blockbuster at Norwood Oval.

Kangaroos star Jasmine Garner (27 disposals and two goals) led the way, while Ash Riddell (25 and six clearances) was also important.

Ebony Marinoff (25 disposals and 16 tackles) continued her strong season for Kuwarna, but the hosts were punished for inaccurate goalkicking – particularly in the first half.

Danielle Ponter kicked three goals for Kuwarna, including two early in the final quarter to spark her side, but the visitors managed to hold on.

It was the key forwards that did the early damage, as North's Kate Shierlaw and Kuwarna forward Caitlin Gould traded goals in the first quarter.

Garner produced some magic to snap a goal out of congestion, while Kuwarna was looking dangerous from stoppages but missed chances.

After Ponter had converted an opportunity for Kuwarna, the Roos kicked four consecutive goals late in the second quarter.

After another Shierlaw goal, Vikki Wall ensured the Kangaroos took a 10-point lead into the main break, before a bouncing effort from Bella Eddey and Garner's second put North in control.

Ponter had looked dangerous throughout and two goals to begin the final term gave Kuwarna hope, but North Melbourne managed to see out a tough win.

SCOREBOARD

KUWARNA                           1.3     2.5     2.8     4.9 (33)
NORTH MELBOURNE          2.1     4.3     6.4     6.5 (41)

GOALS
Kuwarna: Ponter 3, Gould
North Melbourne: Shierlaw 2, Garner 2, Wall, Eddey

BEST 
Kuwarna: Marinoff, Ponter, Biddell, Hatchard, Gould
North Melbourne: Garner, Riddell, Shierlaw, Bresnehan, Wall

INJURIES
Kuwarna: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil