After slipping to a draw against Geelong at Arden Street, the Kangaroos headed to Casey Fields on Sunday with a point to prove - and a run of four unanswered second-term goals was the difference.
Riddell was extraordinary, racking up 21 disposals and two goals in the first half alone, while Shierlaw kicked five goals and clunked six marks to lead the Kangaroos to a 11.5 (71) to 3.3 (21) victory.
It was the most points the Demons have ever conceded in a game.
Gun midfielder Riddell finished with 32 disposals, two goals and 10 tackles, while Jasmine Garner (27 disposals), Jenna Bruton (15 disposals, two goals), Mia King (23 touches) and Emma Kearney were all influential.
Ash Riddell is a genuine star ⭐— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) #AFLWDeesNorth pic.twitter.com/uEvPfnqTzxSeptember 15, 2024
It was another statement from the Kangaroos (2-1-0), who beat premiers Brisbane in round one and will sit comfortably in the top four at round's end.
The Kangaroos will hope defender and former Demon Libby Birch has avoided a collarbone issue after she was crunched in a Kate Hore tackle in the third quarter.
In her 75th game, Melbourne stalwart Paxy Paxman (19 touches) was superb, with support from Lily Mithen (18 disposals) and Eliza McNamara (22 touches).
But Melbourne (1-2), who are without Olivia Purcell, Tayla Harris and Lauren Pearce through injury, slipped to 14th.
Shierlaw kicked the first two goals to put the Kangaroos on top.
McNamara steadied the Demons, before Megan Fitzsimon drew them level at the break.
But North kicked things up a gear after quarter-time to take a 24-point lead into the main break.
North kept Melbourne goalless in the third term while Shierlaw kicked two more goals to build an unassailable 36-point lead at the final change.
Unfortunately for the Demons, it turned into party time from there.
Bruton slotted her second goal before Shierlaw dobbed her fifth from a tight angle to complete the rout.
North next face Port Adelaide at Whitten Oval on Friday, and Melbourne travel to play Fremantle on Saturday.
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