Essendon have slumped to a 16th consecutive defeat despite finishing hard against North Melbourne, who prevailed by two goals in a spiteful match at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

The Dons turned in a much-improved performance but left their run too late against the unimpressive Kangaroos, who took the foot of the pedal in the closing minutes.

Winning ways: North Melbourne skipper Nick Larkey celebrates on Saturday night. Getty Images

“The last few minutes were nerve-racking,” Kangaroos midfielder George Wardlaw said.

A loss next week against the rampant Western Bulldogs will see the Dons equal their worst losing streak of 17, which occurred in 2016 when they were decimated by drugs suspensions.

North’s first win over the Dons in a decade was marred by an ugly incident involving ruckman Tristan Xerri, who faces a serious misconduct charge after appearing to smear blood on the face of Essendon captain Andrew McGrath.

The moment: North Melbourne ruckman Tristan Xerri appears to rub blood on Andrew…