North Melbourne’s Daniel Wells played through the pain barrier in his side’s 17-point AFL upset of Geelong on Sunday.

Wells, who starred in the win with 31 touches and five clearances, had not slept the night before after struggling for much of the week with severe tooth pain.

The 27-year-old completed North’s recovery session on Monday morning, then went straight to the dentist for what is likely to be root canal surgery.

“He did burn us this morning – came in early,” Kangaroos skipper Andrew Swallow joked of Wells’ quick departure from the club on Monday.

“He has had some trouble with his teeth and been in a bit of pain. But it just shows you the resilience he’s got and especially after an injury-interrupted pre-season.

“He’s had a lot of doubters over the years, but he’s finally starting to show that he can play well, especially against adversity.”

North’s victory over the reigning premiers at Etihad Stadium gives them a 2-1 win-loss record.

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