A DOMINANT first half in wet conditions was the catalyst for North Melbourne's 40-point win against Hawthorn in their NAB Challenge match at North Ballarat.

The Hawks went down 6.7 (43) to North's 12.11 (83).

The Roos kept the Hawks goalless to half time to lead by 43 points at the main break, with Daniel Wells booting three goals in his return from osteitis pubis.

Injury was added to insult for the Hawks when ruckman Simon Taylor left the field on a stretcher during the second term after falling awkwardly in a collision with North's Leigh Adams. Brad Sewell also suffered a suspected collarbone injury.

Wells was substituted in the second half and the Hawks rallied to match their opponents as Lance Franklin booted two goals, but the game was well beyond saving by that stage.

North's Gavin Urquhart finished with two goals while Jack Ziebell and Ryan Bastinac also impressed through the midfield.