Brisbane has escaped with the narrowest of wins over North Melbourne, despite never hitting its straps against a Kangaroos side coming off a 57-point loss.

The Lions gave the Roos every chance late, with Cameron Zurhaar missing a 25m set shot inside the final 90 seconds that would have taken his side within two points.

Lion Harris Andrews then took a crucial intercept mark moments later to hold off the spirited Roos before Zurhaar kicked a goal after the siren to leave the final margin at one point.

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan gave his spluttering side an old-fashioned spray at the main break for not grabbing their opportunities on another inaccurate day, before the Lions held on to win 7.11 (53) to 8.4 (52) at Metricon Stadium.

The four points take the Lions to equal top spot and behind Port Adelaide only on percentage after the Power's loss to Geelong on Friday night.

The Roos were gallant in defeat, with late inclusion Tristan Xerri (two goals) combining with Nick Larkey (two goals) to limit Andrews' intercepting influence for most of the day.

Roos ruckman Todd Goldstein did his best to give his midfield first use (the Roos won the clearances 32-26) but ultimately the Lions' midfield class of Jarryd Lyons, Dayne Zorko and Lachie Neale won out around the ground.

NORTH MELBOURNE             1.3       3.3       4.3       8.4 (52)
BRISBANE                               1.5       3.6       5.9       7.11 (53)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Larkey 2, Xerri 2, Zurhaar 2, Scott, Murphy
Brisbane: McCarthy 2, McInerney 2, McStay, Hipwood, Bailey

BEST
North Melbourne: Simpkin, Goldstein, Anderson, McDonald, Higgins
Brisbane: Lyons, Zorko, Neale, McInerney, Birchall, Bailey 

INJURIES
North Melbourne: Walker (hamstring), Tarrant (calf) replaced in selected side by Xerri
Brisbane: Nil