'Oh no': Umpire howler stuns expert as Roos survive late Richmond scare to break eight-year hoodoo

North Melbourne has survived a valiant effort from Richmond, holding on to win by four points on Sunday afternoon.

The win was the Kangaroos' first on the MCG since 2017, finally ending the eight-year hoodoo.

But not without a scare from the Tigers, who reeled in a 24-point lead and finished stronger to nearly snatch the victory.

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The Roos will be breathing a particularly large sigh of relief, considering Richmond owns their upcoming first-round draft pick.

Losing to them likely would have come with extra sting.

Hugo Ralphsmith showed some incredible skills in the first half, dribbling a goal that drew Peter Daicos comparisons from the commentators.

North did all the damage early, kicking six goals to two in the first term, but only managed six more for the game.

Richmond however simply couldn't find the final goal they needed to pinch the win, with Kane McAuliffe and Tim Taranto spraying set shots for the lead.

Fox Footy commentator Dermott Brereton wasn't impressed with an umpiring howler in the first half, after a smothered kick was adjudicated as 'insufficient intent'.

"Oh no - come on," he said.

Cam Zurhaar was huge for North Melbourne, kicking four goals, while young midfielder George Wardlaw continued to show his toughness, laying 10 tackles.

For the Tigers, Seth Campbell kicked three, no.1 draft pick Sam Lalor kicked two and looked dangerous, while captain Toby Nankervis laid 13 tackles and won 46 hit-outs.

Richmond will now prepare for Dreamtime at the 'G against Essendon, while North Melbourne faces Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.