North Melbourne have moved to top spot in AFLW's Conference A after defeating gallant Gold Coast by 13 points at Arden Street.
Trailing by 15 points at half-time, the Suns closed to within four in the final quarter after Lauren Ahrens was gifted a goal from point-blank range.
But some desperate defending from the Kangaroos in a chaotic final term kept the Gold Coast at bay and Daisy Bateman booted her second major of the game late on to make it a certainty at 6.11 (47) to 5.4 (34).
Led superbly by Jasmine Garner and captain Emma Kearney, the Kangaroos triumphed in what was not only their first game at the club's spiritual home but also the first senior contest for premiership points at the ground since 1985.
With three wins on the trot, and their only loss coming by just two points, North Melbourne are firming as one of the premiership favourites in 2020.
Garner (29) and Kearney (26) were outstanding with 55 disposals between them with Garner also registering 18 contested possessions and six clearances.
"They're awesome aren't they," North Melbourne coach Scott Gowans said. "They just get better and better.
"Emma Kearney is a person who leads by example. She's one of those people that you'd get her in the trenches and off she goes. Jas Garner is a pleasure to watch play footy."
For Gold Coast, Kalinda Howarth (two goals) had 12 touches and was ably supported by Ahrens, Tiarna Ernst, Kate Surman and ruck Lauren Bella.
North Melbourne got off to a blistering start, with Sophie Abbatangelo scoring inside the first minute, but Gold Coast responded well by upping the physical pressure to take a five-point lead at quarter-time.
The Kangaroos, inspired by Kearney and Garner, came out breathing fire after the first change. Their increased intensity led to crucial Suns errors and a domination of territory, helping the hosts kick three consecutive goals to take a commanding 15-point lead at half-time.
Gold Coast coach David Lake said the second quarter ultimately proved the difference between the sides.
"For us it's an ongoing lesson," he said. "When you've got 10 or 12 players that haven't played at this level other than the games they're playing now, it happens quicker than you can learn.
"I believe my side has got a capacity to learn really quickly but (North) were good. When you give them a little window of opportunity they strike."