“The group’s a bit more positive than after the Collingwood game,” Petrie told NMFC.com.au on Monday.
“There’s a lot more belief. We certainly played some better football against Geelong, despite losing.”
PRESS PLAY above to watch the full interview | YouTube
The vice-captain booted four goals in the first half as the Kangaroos got out to a 41-point lead, but the supply and the goals dried up after the main break.
“In the first half the midfielders and Goldy (Todd Goldstein) gave us first use in the ruck and we got it going our way a lot.
“In the third quarter they (the Cats) won the contested ball a lot more and got it moving their way a lot quicker.
“We turned the footy over a little bit and tried too many risky options through the corridor. They worked for us in the first half but Geelong certainly covered them in the second half.”
With two losses from as many games, North is in danger of losing touch with the top eight early in the season, but Petrie is confident the team is on the right track.
“We realise that we are capable of competing with good sides,” he added.
Another test of the Kangaroos’ progress will come on Saturday at Blundstone Arena against the reigning premier.
“Sydney’s renowned for their competitiveness and contested footy; Josh Kennedy, Kieren Jack, Jude Bolton, Ryan O’Keefe… the list goes on. The job for us this week is to match them and beat them in that area.
“They’ve got winners all over the ground. They are competitive; they’ve got very high standards.”
