Alastair Clarkson's question remains the same - how deep can North Melbourne stay competitive in AFL games this season?
On Sunday at Marvel Stadium, a stunning 10-minute avalanche of goals to open the last quarter strongly suggested that ability is improving.
It gave the Kangaroos their best win under Clarkson as they mauled Melbourne by 59 points.
While Clarkson was rapt with the 19.11 (125) to 9.12 (66) domination, the North coach noted the season was but two games old.
He was also unhappy his team was just as wasteful with the ball at times as the Demons, and said they won "without playing scintillating footy".
But Clarkson also called the result validation for much hard work throughout the club, as they try to graduate from honourable losses and move out of the bottom four.
Asked what it was like to watch his side pile on six goals at the start of the last quarter and kill off the game, Clarkson said such moments had been "far too infrequent for myself and the Kangas".
North also have never won at Adelaide Oval and travel there next Sunday to play the in-form Crows.
"It's one win - we're coming up against an opponent that is as white-hot as any in the competition," Clarkson said.
"But winning form is good form."
North's Tristan Xerri was best afield, racking up 12 clearances to one against Melbourne captain Max Gawn, the AFL's top ruckman.
"X was fabulous in the ruck against Max and that's where the ascendancy came from," Clarkson said of their barnstorming start to the final quarter.
"We had four centre-bounce goals in the last quarter and that really broke the back of the Melbourne side.
"It was just really a reflection of big X over the whole game. I was glad he was able to get some reward."
After North were competitive against the Western Bulldogs last week, talk had grown that the time for honourable losses was over at Arden Street.
This is Clarkson's third season as coach and hammering Melbourne is a significant statement from his young side.
It also begs renewed questions of the Demons, who were widely tipped as finalists this season after dropping out of the top eight, but are winless after two games.
They had their chances, especially in the third quarter, but their forward line again lacked potency.
They also had more inside 50s than North - 56 to 53 - yet were outclassed.
North midfielder Tom Powell was prolific with 31 possessions and eight clearances, while defender Charlie Comben took 12 marks.
Cam Zurhaar kicked four goals and small forward Paul Curtis also played a key role, kicking three.
Star Melbourne on-baller Clayton Oliver had a game-high 36 disposals and 13 clearances, while forward Kade Chandler also impressed.
But overall the Demons were outclassed.
"We copped our right whack today," said coach Simon Goodwin.
"We're two weeks in and we're certainly not going to create a crisis. We'll be looking to respond."
Goodwin confirmed defender Jake Lever has a rolled ankle and Matthew Jefferson a fractured hand.
North's Jack Darling celebrated his 300th game with two goals and his former West Coast teammate Andrew Gaff came over from Perth to help celebrate the milestone.
