After its humiliating 77-point defeat to Adelaide, the media lashed North for a ‘flat footed start’ to the season.

"Round one doesn't make a season, but given North's wealth of experience and their increased list of quality players, it was a disappointing start, as it was most encouraging by the Crows." - Ashely Porter, Fairfax Media

The Roos midfield brigade was under fire from Jason Dunstall.

"They just kept running up and down the ground through the corridor. Their midfield got smashed and it was very, very ordinary. I was just bitterly disappointed by the effort and intensity — it just wasn’t there." - Jason Dunstall, On the Couch (Fox Footy)

"The flat-footed start, the high error rate and the inability to stop Adelaide’s 10-goal run from late in the first term – and it was game over early." - Andrew Capel, Adelaide Now

New Roo Shaun Higgins, midfielder Ben Cunnington, small forward Lindsay Thomas and ruckman Todd Goldstein the only players who received some praise.

"Former Bulldog Shaun Higgins was the Roos’ best in his first match for his new club, kicking four classy goals." - Andrew Capel, Adelaide Now

"Amidst this onslaught and response was the exciting performance of Western Bulldogs recruit Shaun Higgins, who kicked North's opening two goals and finished with four. Lindsay Thomas was also brilliant in the third term with two goals. Ben Cunnington battled hard in difficult circumstances, and stood up to the pressure better than most." - Ashley Porter, Fairfax Media

North’s third quarter comeback was also acknowledged, despite the fact it was short-lived.

"Like Adelaide, North exploded to the River Torrens end, thanks to ruck supremacy by Todd Goldstein. North needed to come from 69 points down and equal the greatest come-from-behind win of all-time, and you had to admire the Roos for having a third-quarter go." - Ashley Porter, Fairfax Media

Although the attention turns to the game against the Lions at Etihad on Sunday, Gerard Whateley wants to see a consistent North side for the remainder of the year.

“I thought they had eradicated performances like that. It confirms there is a flaw in their make-up.” - Gerard Whateley, AFL 360 (Fox Footy)