The Brisbane Lions nearly came from behind to steal a huge victory today, but will instead be left heartbroken by a three-point loss to North Melbourne. 

With 30 seconds remaining, No.1 draft pick Cam Rayner was awarded a free kick 30m out on a slight angle, but his around the corner attempt drifted to the right.

The Kangaroos hung on to win 16.11 (107) to 16.8 (104) to sit outside the eight on percentage.

It was another devastating loss for the Lions, who have also lost matches by five points to Gold Coast, Adelaide and Port Adelaide and seven points to Collingwood.

North can breathe a huge sigh of relief after leading by 24 points earlier in the term and almost stopping to a walk in the last quarter.

The Lions were lacklustre in the first half and looked out of the contest for most of the game before their late rally.

Young midfielders Jarrod Berry (28 possessions) and particularly Hugh McCluggage (26 and three goals) were largely instrumental for the fightback.

McCluggage's composure in traffic was exceptional for a second-year player.

Coach Chris Fagan said his young team lacked composure in the final quarter, but was confident they'd learn from their mistakes.

"We were coming hard in that last quarter and we were dominating the game, but we were a bit hasty with some of our disposals," Fagan said.

"It's all part of our learning. 

"The more games they get under their belt, the better they'll get at that. 

"I'm glad we're in close games and not getting belted like we were last year."

Dayne Zorko (35 possessions and two goals) was almost a one-man show in the first half as the Lions floundered under North's pressure.

Harris Andrews won his much-anticipated match-up with Ben Brown, keeping the Coleman Medal leader to a solitary goal from a free kick in the final quarter.

MEDICAL ROOM

Brisbane Lions: No worries for the Lions with Oscar McInerney's corked quad in the third quarter the only minor concern. The backup ruckman limped around for a few minutes but took a strong mark moments later and played the game out. 

North Melbourne: Good news for the Kangaroos with a clean bill of health. Jarrad Waite got through his first full game in 10 weeks, kicking two goals. 

NEXT UP

North Melbourne needs to keep on winning and has a great chance to do so next Sunday against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, while the Lions will make their second trip to the MCG for the season, playing Collingwood on Saturday night.

BRISBANE                   6.0       9.2       13.4     16.8 (104)
NORTH MELBOURNE 5.1       12.6     14.9     16.11 (107)

GOALS
Brisbane: McCluggage 3, Rayner 2, Robinson 2, Mathieson 2, McInerney 2, Zorko 2, Hipwood, Taylor, Christensen
North Melbourne: Ziebell 3, Walker 2, Atley 2, Waite 2, Turner 2, Cunnington, Hrovat, Wood, Simpkin, Brown 

BEST 
Brisbane: McCluggage, Zorko, Berry, Christensen, Robinson, Andrews
North Melbourne: Ziebell, Dumont, Daw, Simpkin, Goldstein

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Brown, Chamberlain, Pannell                    

Official crowd: 18,395 at the Gabba