Ash Riddell has starred through the midfield and Tahlia Randall kicked three goals as North Melbourne unleashed a second-half masterclass to thrash Essendon by 52 points at Windy Hill.
Essendon led by seven points at quarter time of Sunday's match and were still within striking distance at halftime as North Melbourne took a 29-20 lead into the long break.
But the reigning premiers flexed their muscles from there, scoring eight goals to two in the second half to win 12.13 (85) to 5.3 (33).
Riddell was prolific with 32 disposals, six clearances, 395m gained and two goal assists, while Jasmine Garner (27 disposals, two goals) and Eilish Sheerin (25 disposals, one goal) were also influential.
Randall kicked 3.2 from her six disposals, with Vikki Wall and Alice O'Loughlin chipping in with two goals apiece.
Former No.1 draft pick Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner, who made the switch from the Bulldogs to North at the end of last year, kicked her first goal for her new side in a special moment for the Kangaroos forward.
Madison Prespakis battled valiantly for Essendon on the way to 32 disposals and 463m gained, Bonnie Toogood kicked two goals from 18 possessions, while Stephanie Wales (23 hitouts, 13 disposals, four clearances) was important in the ruck.
But Essendon lacked the star power to match North when the ladder leaders found their rhythm in the second half.
The Bombers trailed by just three points midway through the third quarter before North piled on the last seven goals to run away with the victory.
North Melbourne (9-1) will snare the minor premiership if they win their remaining two games against Adelaide and Richmond.
Essendon (1-9) are among three one-win teams vying to avoid the wooden spoon, with the 17th-placed Bombers (55.6 per cent) sandwiched between Collingwood (56.7 per cent) and last-placed St Kilda (41.3 per cent).
