Midfielder Trent Dumont believes West Coast is the best side North Melbourne has faced so far this season.

“They’re a quality unit,” Dumont told the media after the game.

“That was as well-drilled of a side that I have seen this year.

“They’re obviously the reigning premiers and they executed really well today.

“They seem to get it on their terms really well, and their forward line is obviously very potent.”

The Roos finished the second quarter strongly to head into half-time with some positivity, but the Eagles’ quality shone through in the second half, as they ran out 49-point winners

“We were optimistic at half-time of coming out and challenging them, so it was super disappointing to get dominated in that third quarter.”

“We thought we wrestled back in the second term and upped the pressure a bit.

“But West Coast are really good at taking pressure out of the game with the way they chip the ball around.”

North’s loss all but ends it finals hopes, but Dumont says there is still plenty to play for.

“We’ve still got plenty to prove, as individuals and as a team. We’re on a journey together and we’ve only just started.

“We want to build something special.”

And the number 14 believes that the Roos emerging crop are on the right path.

“We have some really impressive kids.

“Jy (Simpkin) has been in some ripping form, and Tarryn Thomas is superb.

“He’s as calm a kid as I have seen come into the league, and he’s so willing to learn.

“We’ve got some bright futures for sure.”