Cooper Trembath’s four goals have highlighted North Melbourne’s 25-point AFL win over Richmond in an ugly, scrappy MCG match.

The 10.13 (73) to 6.12 (48) result on Sunday gives the Kangaroos back-to-back wins and distance from their 124-point mauling from Fremantle, as they try to return to the finals for the first time in a decade.

After North posted the first goal of the final term and opened up a game-high lead of 34 points, Noah Balta kicked two in a row to keep the contest tight.

But Richmond could only kick another goal and North held on for the win.

Harry Sheezel had 31 possessions to lead the Kangaroos midfield and James Trezise was solid for the Tigers.

Despite sunny conditions and little breeze, the start of the game seemed to take inspiration from the soccer World Cup.

There was no score until nearly 10 minutes in, when the Tigers pounced on a defensive turnover and Sam Banks kicked a goal on the run.

It was one-all at the first break after George Wardlaw responded.

Two goals in as many minutes gave North the jump at the start of the second and Jasper Alger replied with an outstanding goal from deep in a pocket.

Trembath’s one-handed mark and goal gave the Kangaroos an eight-point break at halftime.

He kicked another two in the third as Richmond were kept goalless.

The Kangaroos opened up a 26-point lead and while the Tigers were hesitant in their ball movement, North were rewarded for being prepared to use the corridor.

Playing his first game since round two, Richmond captain Toby Nankervis was up against Trembath in the ruck at the centre ball-ups.

Trembath would then immediately go forward and Tristan Xerri or Taylor Goad would do the ruck work around the ground.