Kangaroos thump injury-hit Tigers by 75 points
Shayne Hope
Cam Zurhaar shined in a new half-time role; North Melbourne made their best start to an AFL season in a decade with a 75-point thrashing of post-injury Richmond.
Paul Curtis kicked a career-high six goals as the Kangaroos secured their biggest margin of victory under Alastair Clarkson with a 20.10 (130) to 7.13 (55) win at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
That leaves them with a 4-2 record and their strongest six-game comeback since a 9-0 opener in 2016, the last time they played in a final.
The Tigers lost acting captain Tim Taranto (concussion), Sam Banks (dislocated shoulder) and Maurice Rioli Jr (hamstring) to injuries and are 0-6 for their worst start since 2010.
The explosive Zurhaar (23 disposals), often a threat in attack, was redeployed behind the ball, resulting in a game-high 644 metres.
Fellow playmakers Luke Parker (26 possessions) and Caleb Daniel (32) were also busy, with Harry Sheezel recording 39 disposals, seven clearances and a goal in an impressive display.
North had no shortage of options in the front half, with Curtis, Cooper Trembath (three), Nick Larkey (two) and Zane Duursma (two) all playing at multiple majors.
Young gun Sam Lalor scored 22 disposals and a goal for Richmond, while Seth Campbell and Jack Ross (26 touches) added two majors each.
After Banks was injured in the opening minutes from a fierce challenge from Luke Davies-Uniacke, Curtis scored three goals in the first quarter to give North the early lead.
Tigers, who also lost Rioli before halftime, created many scoring opportunities but were repeatedly let down by poor finishing.
Richmond made them pay as the Kangaroos scored eight goals in a row to extend their lead to 47 points before the main break.
Taranto went out of the game early in the third term and North were sent off as Trembath entered the contest after being covered up by Noah Balta in the first half.
Tom Powell stood out with a football-style goal in late rush hour traffic and Curtis kicked the final three majors of the game as the Kangaroos won every quarter.
AAP
