Veteran Steve Johnson was taken from the field with a concussion after being on the wrong end of a heavy bump from North midfielder Shaun Higgins in the first quarter, while Aiden Corr played no part in the second half with a hand injury.

Midfielder Stephen Cognilio was consoled by teammates after he limped from the field with likely ankle ligament damage, caught under a falling defender in the third term.

While the medical staff were kept busy in the opening three quarters, it was the GWS forward line with the pedal to the medal in the fourth as they wrapped up a comprehensive 2.15.17 (125) to 0.12.15 (87) win in front of 3997 people.

Giants coach Leon Cameron said it was "disappointing" to have players injured in the final pre-season game when the focus turns to getting through to round one unscathed.

Johnson is expected to be okay but was still dazed following the full-time siren, while Corr and Cognilio will undergo scans on Monday to determine the full extent of their injuries.

Cameron said with all the injury concerns going on he was stoked with how his side played for most of the contest.

"It's not ideal, but that's life," Cameron said.

"I was really wrapt with the first 15 minutes of the first quarter, but then we sort of lost our way a bit. It as also the Kangaroos' pressure. Their pressure has been really, really good.

"They're playing with some great energy, and they disturbed us for the next 15 [minutes], which was disappointing to sort of start well and drop away."

It took Giants co-captain Callan Ward just three minutes to get his name on the scoresheet, kicking the opening goal as the Giants caught the visitors on the back foot.

The Giants dominated territory in the early stages, recording the first nine inside 50s for the match, but North clawed their way back in a sign of things to come as they ramped up the defensive pressure.

North's Kayne Turner put his hand up for the season opener in a stellar display of defensive pressure, proving a thorn in the Giants' side as they pieced together a disappointing second quarter.

One shining light for the Giants was No. 2 draft pick Tim Taranto, who created plenty of chances for his side to pencil his name in for round one selection.

The Giants' second half got off to a super start when Devon Smith nailed an early nine-point goal to turn around an eight-point deficit.

While the GWS medical staff were kept busy the Giants enjoyed a fruitful return up front and took a 26-point lead into the final break.

The premiership favourites grew another leg in the final term, with Toby Greene getting accustomed to the ball in his hands as he nailed five goals.

North coach Brad Scott said the challenge is now to sustain the defensive pressure over four quarters of football.

AT A GLANCE

GWS GIANTS 0.4.2 0.5.7 1.11.12 2.15.17 (125)

NORTH MELBOURNE 0.3.4 0.6.9 0.8.13 0.12.15 (87)