The second-last Kangaroos produced a plucky performance against their high-flying opponents, who were again inaccurate with the boot in the 7.11 (53) to 8.4 (52) victory.

North Melbourne cut six players after a horror last-start loss and had experienced defender Robbie Tarrant pull out late due to a calf problem.

However, the young Roos rallied and kicked four of the six final quarter goals to go within a whisker of causing a boilover.

Lions coach Chris Fagan, who delivered a passionate address at halftime, conceded the compressed draw had taken a toll.

"We didn't have our usual zip and energy. We definitely looked flat, not complacent though," he said.

Brisbane yips in front of goal resurfaced.

They missed several easy shots in the first quarter, with their first five scores behinds.

"We'll keep working away at it but obviously that's going to be a topic of conversation until (we improve)," Fagan said.

The game was in the balance when North Melbourne's Cameron Zurhaar snapped a goal to reduce the margin to eight points within the final three minutes.

Zurhaar then grabbed a pack mark with less than two minutes remaining but couldn't convert from an angle.

He slotted a free kick after the siren for the final one-point margin.

"If you give us another five minutes, anything could have happened," North Melbourne coach Rhyce Shaw said.

"I was really pleased with our guys' attitude this week.

"We're disappointed with losing but I'm really proud of the guys and the way they gave it a good shake."

North Melbourne's Jed Anderson topped the possession count with 29, while Lachie Neale (24 touches) and Dayne Zorko were strong through the middle for the Lions.

Lincoln McCarthy and Oscar McInerney both kicked two goals for Brisbane, including their side's two majors in the last term.

Brisbane's ninth win of the year lifts them level on points with competition leaders Port Adelaide but in second place on percentage.

In a scrappy match, Brisbane led 24-21 at the main break and kicked the opening goal of the third term but couldn't pull away.

North Melbourne hit straight back with Bailey Scott, keeping the Lions' lead to 12 points heading into the final quarter where Zurhaar almost inspired an upset.

Australian Associated Press