NORTH Melbourne has delivered a stunning blow to West Coast's premiership hopes, with the cellar-dwellers putting in a determined performance to record their third win of the year.

The Eagles slumped to their third loss in as many weeks, with the Kangaroos’ hunger evident as they scrapped for every possession in the 10.10(70) to 8.12(60) win.

The wet and woolly conditions meant inaccuracy ruled early, with West Coast having more of the footy but kicking 3.10 in the first half.

A dominant third quarter proved the difference for North Melbourne, with the Kangaroos finally getting scoreboard reward after toiling away.

The Eagles sent a shockwave through North Melbourne’s camp after the final change, coming out of the blocks hard and booting four goals in quick succession to wrestle the lead back.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 12: Andrew Gaff of the Eagles handpasses the ball during the 2021 AFL Round 17 match between the West Coast Eagles and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Optus Stadium on July 12, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos)

It didn’t take North Melbourne long to bite back, booting three goals in a flurry to wrestle momentum – and the lead – back.

A toe-poke goal from West Coast’s Liam Ryan pared the margin back to just four points, before Todd Goldstein – not content with merely breaking the all-time hitouts record – booted his second goal of the game to put the final nail in West Coast's coffin.

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North Melbourne’s Jaidyn Stephenson ran amuck in the wet conditions, racking up 38 touches and a crucial goal.

He was ably supported by skipper Jack Ziebell (27 disposals) and Jy Simpkin (32 disposals).

For West Coast, Nic Natanui won the ruck battle against Goldstein, recording 36 hitouts and 11 clearances, while Josh Kennedy, Liam Ryan and Oscar Allen booted two goals apiece.

More to come.