Zurhaar was the most prolific forward on the ground, with four goals, as the Kangaroos hung on for a heart-stopping 12.6 (78) to 11.8 (74) triumph at the MCG on Sunday.
Tom Lynch cut the margin to six points with his second goal late in the final quarter and the Tigers had two further shots in time-on, but Kane McAuliffe and Tim Taranto fired wide.
Kangaroos defender Toby Pink capped a strong display when he took a goal-saving mark opposed to Lynch in the final minute to help seal the result.
Zurhaar was dubbed 'Big Foot' by teammates in the days prior to the match after his non-preferred left foot swelled because of an injury.
"He was really important for us, particularly early," Clarkson said.
"In a low-scoring game, to kick four goals is pretty influential to the final outcome.
"I'm really pleased with his contribution and it's a really good example for all our players that sometimes you've got to play under a little bit of duress.
"He just managed his mind really strongly and made a contribution for the team that was pretty important for us."
After close losses to Port Adelaide and Essendon, then a draw with top side Brisbane, North (2-7-1) finally franked their improved form with a win.
It was their first at the MCG since 2017, following a barren run of nine straight defeats.
But it wasn't a pretty contest between two of the bottom three sides on the ladder, littered with a season-high 137 stoppages despite being played in perfect conditions.
"It felt like going to the dentist," Clarkson said, "but the endeavour was there.
"Both sides had over 90 tackles on a day where you'd expect the ball to be out in the open and moving pretty swiftly.
"The game was a pretty scrappy affair but with where we're at at the moment, wins are important for us."
Tristan Xerri won a titanic tussle with Toby Nankervis, tallying 19 disposals and 52 hit-outs to help North Melbourne to a 54-33 win at clearances.
Luke Davies-Uniacke (27 disposals), Colby McKercher (22) and Jy Simpkin (20) were also important contributors, with Nick Larkey and Jack Darling kicking two goals each.
Taranto (30 touches, 10 clearances) worked tirelessly for Richmond and Seth Campbell kicked three goals.
Lynch and Sam Lalor kicked two each, and Hugo Ralpsmith slotted a goal-of-the-year contender from a tight angle.
Kamdyn McIntosh kicked go-ahead goals for the Tigers at the start of both the third and fourth quarters, after they had trailed by 24 points early in a see-sawing contest.
But there was no fairytale finish for dual premiership hero McIntosh in his 200th game.
Richmond coach Adem Yze lamented his side's slow start but was pleased with the way they fought back into the contest.
The Tigers could have had another late chance to win the game but Davies-Uniacke was not penalised when he handpassed the ball over the boundary line under pressure from Taranto inside the final 90 seconds.
"You do get frustrated with that sort of stuff because if it was earlier in the game they might've paid it," Yze said.
"It is what it is and (that rule) is a hard one to umpire at the best of times, but we gave ourselves a chance to win it.
"We had a few shots in that last quarter and in a tight-game situation that's all you can do - get the opportunity to win the game.
"I know those boys that missed those opportunities will be feeling that but the method's right. We got those chances and we'll take it next week."
