Alastair Clarkson insists winning is far more important to North Melbourne than draft position after a 13-point triumph over Richmond steered the Kangaroos away from the AFL wooden spoon.
Luke Davies-Uniacke starred in the engine room as the Roos emerged with a 14.6 (90) to 10.17 (77) victory from a hard-fought contest at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
It was North's third win of the season, which ended a three-match losing run and franked the developing side's improved form since the mid-season bye.
It also lifted them one win clear of Richmond (2-18) with three rounds left to play, leaving the Tigers likely to finish last and claim the No.1 draft pick.
The Kangaroos were handed consecutive wooden spoons in 2021-22 but famously missed out on the chance to select teen sensation Harley Reid last year when a final-round win over Gold Coast hoisted them above West Coast on the ladder.
North unsuccessfully tried to tempt the Eagles into trading the No.1 pick in order to land Reid, who has shone in his debut season.
But there is no Reid-like stand-out in this year's draft pool and Clarkson is more concerned with his players experiencing highs towards the back end of another tough campaign.
"These boys want to compete, they want to play, they want to win - and we'll take as many wins as we possibly can," Clarkson said.
"Where that ends up in terms of ladder position and draft picks ... that'll work itself out.
"Particularly in this draft where it's just so even, wins are more important to this footy club right now than worrying about where we finish on the ladder."
Explosive midfielder Davies-Uniacke was the difference against Richmond as he produced game-high tallies of 33 disposals and eight clearances, and finished his hard work with a career-best three goals.
Harry Sheezel (29 disposals), Colby McKercher (31) and Bailey Scott (28) were all strong contributors for North, who celebrated co-captain Luke McDonald's 200th game.
Nick Larkey added five goals, Tristan Xerri was influential in the ruck and father-son product Jackson Archer impressed again in defence, restricting Richmond star Shai Bolton to one goal from 12 touches.
North youngster Zane Duursma provided the game's highlight when he took a perfect ride on Noah Balta to haul in a mark-of-the-year contender during the second quarter.
Dustin Martin kicked 0.2 from 16 disposals on return for the Tigers after five weeks out with a back injury, while Dion Prestia (29 touches), Tim Taranto (27) and Jack Graham (24) worked hard in a losing cause.
Richmond dominated territory early and had more inside-50s (60-44), clearances (39-33) and scoring shots (27-20) than their opponents, but coach Adem Yze was left ruing missed opportunities.
"If we knew we were going to dish up those numbers we'd be pretty happy with the opportunities we created," Yze said.
"But we gave away goals where we can't defend because some of our ball movement was just too scattered.
"It's really disappointing and our players are really disappointed because they felt like they left it all out there today."
Richmond lost Steely Green to ankle and toe injuries, which could sideline him for the rest of the season.
