Reigning AFL premiers Melbourne have made an ominous start to 2022, smashing North Melbourne by 88 points in their first practice match of the year.
The Demons picked up where they left off last September, disposing of wooden spooners North Melbourne 20.12 (132) to 6.8 (44) at Casey Fields on Thursday.
It was a more clinical performance than anyone could have expected for a team in late February coming off their first premiership in 57 years.
The Demons even produced bursts similar to their devastating second-half performance in last year's grand final win over the Western Bulldogs.
Captain Max Gawn, Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca and key forward Ben Brown all looked just as hungry as before winning the flag.
The Demons were only missing key defenders Jake Lever and Harrison Petty, midfielder Jack Viney and forward Bayley Fritsch from their best team.
Three-time best-and-fairest winner Clayton Oliver sent a scare through the Demons camp in the second quarter when he dislocated his finger.
But the star midfielder was quickly checked out by medical staff, before returning to the field and playing out the game.
North fans got their first look at No.1 draft pick Jason Horne-Francis in action against opposition.
It was difficult for the young midfielder to stand out on a badly-beaten team but he still showed glimpses of his massive potential.
Kangaroos assistant coach Heath Younie described the hit-out as a "wake-up call".
"The players, coaches and all staff were disappointed with what we put up today," Younie said.
"We had four or five missing - a couple through concussion and illness but that's no excuse."
Melbourne's sole official pre-season match will be against Carlton at Marvel Stadium next Thursday night, while North's community series game will be a clash with Sydney at Giants Stadium on March 6.
