Jy Simpkin (40 not out), Jaidyn Stephenson (32) and Luke Davies-Uniacke (23) worked hard in a losing cause.
Essendon were best served by Zach Merrett (37 disposals, eight disposals), Mason Redman (32 disposals) and Nick Hind (22), while tall swingman James Stewart played up front and kicked three goals, his first goals in two years.
Peter Wright, Kyle Langford and Harrison Jones scored twice each.
The only sour note for the Bombers was Jye Caldwell’s calf injury.
Already badly hit by COVID-19, North Melbourne lost Lachie Young and Jack Mahony as late withdrawals ahead of the bounce.
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The pair joined teammates Aidan Corr, Paul Curtis and Aaron Hall on the sidelines through virus protocols.
Essendon also suffered a late blow when Dylan Shiel was ruled out with a hamstring problem.
Stringer’s big day started with six disposals, three tackles and three goals in the first quarter.
He would have had a major fourth for the term had a quick snap not touched the finger of a Northern defender on the goal line, a fact confirmed by one of three score reviews before quarter time.
The Bombers led by 15 points in the fourth quarter, doubled the lead in the second period and kept control of the score throughout the second half.
ESSENDON 5.1 9.5 13.6 17.12 (114) NORTH MELB 2.4 5.6 7.9 9.12 (66)
GOALS: Stringer 5, Stewart 3, Langford 2, Wright 2, Jones 2, Redman, Guelfi, Merrett. North Melb: Zurhaar 4, Anderson, Coleman-Jones, Scott, Goldstein, Turner. -Thatcher Laverde, Langford.North Melb: Zurhaar, Simpkin, Stephenson, Horne-Francis, McDonald.INJURIESEssendon: Caldwell (see). 29,549 packed into Marvel Stadium.
AAP
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