Not only did North Melbourne snare the win, but they will also collect a cool $1 million for “hosting” the match in Bunbury, a coastal town two hours drive south of Perth.

It’s part of a three-year deal in which North Melbourne will play two home games a season in WA, including next week’s clash with Fremantle at Optus Stadium.

The only downer for North Melbourne out of Sunday’s match was a game-ending injury to defender Charlie Comben, who was subbed out in the third quarter after copping a painful knee to the shoulder in a marking contest.

Paul Curtis kicked three goals for North Melbourne, while Tristan Xerri was huge in the ruck with 37 hitouts, 10 clearances and 22 disposals.

Former Eagle Jack Darling was held scoreless from 10 disposals.

Eagles co-captain Liam Duggan tallied a team-high 23 disposals, Elijah Hewett racked up 22 disposals and six clearances, while forward Jack Williams kicked two goals.

North Melbourne kicked the only three goals of the opening quarter – including two to Curtis – despite losing the inside-50 count 21-10.

West Coast’s 0.5 was a poor return for a quarter they dominated, with Archer Reid’s close-range shocker summing up their ineptitude in front of goal.

The Eagles had 0.8 to their name and had just entered their forward-50 arc for a staggering 34th time when Williams finally broke the goal drought with a close-range set shot late in the second quarter.

The goal reduced the margin to seven points at halftime, with North holding the lead despite being pummelled 39-17 in the inside-50 count.

West Coast had a woeful 1.13 to their name before producing a 4.1 spurt to finish the third quarter.

But just as the game looked won for the Eagles, North hit back hard in a thrilling finish.

AAP