With five losses from their last six games, the Roos have many in the media doubting their premiership credentials.
That will mean little to coach Brad Scott and his men, who will be doing everything to turn their form around against Port Adelaide on Sunday.
Nevertheless, there was plenty of discussion around North following its loss to the Eagles.
Herald Sun
“Suddenly North Melbourne’s position in the top eight is considered shaky after the Roos’ fifth loss in six games. They must quickly regroup ahead of a season-defining fortnight against Port Adelaide and Collingwood, which are both three wins behind. Win both — that won’t be easy, however — and finals are assured, despite their horror run home.” – Chris Vernuccio
The Age
“North Melbourne's fortunes continue to falter, the Roos slumping to their fifth defeat from their past six games, this time a 32-point loss at the hands of West Coast, all of the losses against prospective finals opponents.
“Things aren't likely to get a lot easier for the Roos, either with their last four home and away games against four more finalists in Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, Sydney and Greater Western Sydney.” – Rohan Connolly
Herald Sun
“No team has ever won nine straight and missed the finals, but right now it’s a chance. They lack spark, brilliance and inspiration, and their percentage is just fair. Port is a virtual final.”
AFL.com.au
“The ladder was always going to be a talking point for this match. Going in, the teams were placed seventh and eighth – hardly a top-of-the-ladder affair. But so tight is this year’s competition that fifth spot would almost certainly go to the winner (North could conceivably have grabbed fourth), while the loser would find themselves in eighth at the end of the weekend. So, North were big losers in this one. It’s amazing to think that the Kangaroos sat atop the AFL ladder just a few weeks back.” – Sean Cowan
Despite a 32-point defeat, there were some standout performers for North.
AFL.com.au
“Ben Brown was excellent up forward kicking four goals, including two freakish efforts, and Andrew Swallow fought hard with 25 disposals, 12 contested, in his 200th game. Trent Dumont was also a good contributor with 21 disposals and a goal.” – Alex Malcolm
The Roos will be keen to put Sunday’s game behind them, but the clash against Port now becomes a must-win.
With more names added to the injury list, the task becomes even tougher.
AFL.com.au
“The Kangaroos’ injury toll also continues to mount. They entered the clash without star trio Daniel Wells, Jarrad Waite and Shaun Higgins and then lost Nick Dal Santo pre-game due to illness.
“Farren Ray suffered a hamstring injury in the second term and took no further part in the match, before Mason Wood suffered a suspected medial ligament injury in the third term, leaving the Kangaroos with just two on the bench in the last quarter.” – Alex Malcolm
North will be hopeful of recalling both Waite and Wells for the Round 17 clash.
