NORTH Melbourne's dominant display against Essendon lead to a 51-point victory at Windy Hill on Sunday, putting it in the box seat for a maiden AFLW minor premiership.

The Kangaroos held the Bombers scoreless for almost a half and allowed them just one goal by the final siren in the 8.10 (58) to 1.1 (7).

Despite the one-sided scoreline, it was a physical affair highlighted by high-flying grabs and bone-crunching bumps.

North put the pressure on Essendon early, allowing the Bombers into their forward 50 just five times for the entire first half, and seemed in cruise control for the entirety of the match.

Ruby Tripodi and Mia King's defensive efforts through the midfield quelled any forward advances the Bombers attempted, while efficiency on the attack was where the Roos were able to pull away.

The Roos' overall pressure just kept building as they were able to keep increasing their lead at a constant but rapid pace.

North had more than double the efficiency of their shellshocked opponents inside 50 (17-40) in the ruthless display, sending an ominous warning to the rest of the competition.

Although the Roos' offence was something of dreams, their dominant defence kept Essendon to single digits as it too hunts a finals spot.

Up Next:
Heading into the penultimate round, North Melbourne heads over to Adelaide to face the Crows on Friday night. Meanwhile Essendon will be looking to bounce back with a win to remain in the top eight as they face fifth-placed Richmond in the AFLW Dreamtime match at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Saturday night.

ESSENDON                     0.0     0.1    0.1    1.1 (7)
NORTH MELBOURNE     3.3      6.5    6.7    8.10 (58)

GOALS
Essendon: Toogood
North Melbourne: Shierlaw 3, Randall 2, Wall, E.King, Garner

BEST
Essendon: Gay, Prespakis, Nanscawen, Toogood
North Melbourne: Shierlaw, Randall, Riddell, M.King, Smith

INJURIES
Essendon: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 4,336 at Windy Hill