Last year's wooden spooners put in one of their best efforts of the season, even closing within six points midway through the third quarter, but the Demons (10-0) simply had too many weapons at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

After booting the last two goals of the third quarter to lead by 22 points at the final change, Melbourne, who have rebranded themselves as Narrm for Sir Doug Nicholls Round, ran out winners 14.16 (100) to 8.5 (53).

Star midfielder Clayton Oliver was clearly the best player on the ground, grabbing a career-high 45 possessions - the second time this season he has passed the magical 40 mark in a game - and 13 clearances.

The Demons now have the most consecutive wins any AFL team has racked up since St Kilda won the first 19 games of the 2009 season.

They are just two wins away from equalling the historic club's greatest streak, set back in 1955-56.

"I'm incredibly proud of the group, 10-0 this year is a great start to our season," Demons coach Simon Goodwin said.

"Does it mean we're a complete side yet? No, it doesn't.

"We're certainly heading in the right direction and our supporters should really embrace what these boys are doing for them because it's pretty special."

After five weeks of uncompetitive performances that shone the spotlight on coach David Noble, North fought hard until the Demons' weight of numbers - 74 inside-50s to 34 - eventually won out.

Tom McDonald and Bayley Fritsch kicked three goals each for the Demons, as did Cameron Zurhaar for North.

Melbourne's only concern was a suspected rib injury to winger Ed Langdon, who was on the end of a big Tarryn Thomas tackle in the first quarter.

Langdon was subbed out of the match for small forward Toby Bedford and was sent away for scans.

The Kangaroos' Curtis Taylor also suffered a rib injury and was replaced by Atu Bosenavulagi in the final term.

North coach David Noble said there were "lots of positives".

"Our fans can really see what we're trying to do, it wasn't just about Melbourne," Noble said.

"I thought there was a lot to like about our team (in this game)...I think now for a good five or six weeks we've been training really hard and it's now translating.

"The understanding of where we're at is fight and I thought they did that really well."

Melbourne will host Fremantle in a top-four showdown at the MCG next Saturday, while the Kangaroos will be back at Docklands to face St Kilda on Sunday.

Australian Associated Press