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North Melbourne have registered just their second win of the AFL season, holding on for a nine-point win over the Gold Coast Suns at Blundstone Arena.

North Melbourne have inflicted more pain on the ailing Gold Coast Suns with a nine-point AFL win in Hobart.

The last-placed Kangaroos registered just their second victory of the season on Saturday afternoon, with Nick Larkey slotting three goals.

They were the better side against the wind in the final quarter as the third-last Suns slumped to their sixth loss in seven games.

The Suns mounted a late charge but Hugh Greenwood and Toby Sexton missed gettable set shots as the score finished 9.18 (72) to 9.9 (63).

North Melbourne would have had flashbacks to their draw against the Giants two weeks ago, where they gave up a 28-point lead.

"I thought they absorbed a lot of pressure. We held our nerve really well (in) that last three or four minutes, which we didn't do as well (against the Giants)," coach David Noble said.

"It was terrific resilience from the group overall. I've got a lot of faith in our guys. They're growing before our eyes."

The Kangaroos remain at the foot of the ladder but in their past three games have secured a win and draw and were able to keep pace with Brisbane for three-quarters.

Ben Cunnington was one of their best and finished with a game-high eight clearances, 28 disposals and five tackles.

Cameron Zurhaar kicked two goals including one from a tight angle in the final quarter that put the Kangaroos up by 18 points.

Suns coach Stuart Dew said he was most disappointed with his side's third quarter, where they kicked just one goal despite a host of inside 50s.

"We had our opportunities. We didn't absorb. We passed pressure to teammates, which was a theme last week," he said.

Gold Coast chairman Tony Cochrane, who Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein urged local fans to boo after he criticised plans for a 19th team, was part of the 6719-strong Blundstone Arena crowd.

Josh Corbett provided some good moments for the Suns, who were without captain David Swallow and fellow midfielder Lachie Weller.

Corbett, recalled to the side after a five-goal haul in the VFL, booted three goals, including two in an impressive opening quarter.

Playing their third match in Tasmania in succession, the Kangaroos opened up a 28-18 lead at quarter time.

Gold Coast lifted in a scrappy second quarter and hit the lead for the first time midway through the term thanks to a Sexton major.

The Kangaroos wasted several opportunities inside 50 and trailed by eight at the main break.

They regained the lead with the breeze in the third term on the back two Larkey goals.

In a losing side, Touk Miller picked up a match-high 32 possessions.