Veteran defender Michael Firrito says North Melbourne won’t be shying away from any expectations and pressure after the side’s sensational finals run last season.

After defeating Essendon and Geelong, North was defeated by Sydney in the preliminary final which Firrito described as a huge learning curve.

"I guess there is an expectation from the wider football community and North Melbourne supporters on us which is great,” Firrito told the Herald Sun.

"But the expectation internally is far greater and we certainly don’t want to let each other down."

While Firrito said the 71-point defeat was shattering, he hopes the team will use it as motivation.

"It was disappointing to finish the way that we did. I think it was great just for the group to get some belief and won some big finals at the MCG in front of massive crowds.

"I guess there is a real expectation from within now that we have been and played and tasted September and now we want more.

"But we are fully aware that every other team in the competition are certainly striving for the same thing. We have done the work, but so has every other club."

The Roos were rocked by news Nathan Grima is set to miss up to three months with a back injury but Firrito believes the club is well placed to cover him.

"In other years not having Lachie (Hansen) and Nath, we would have been found wanting," Firrito said.

"But we’ve got (Joel) Tippett and Robbie Tarrant, who’s been going really well and young Daniel Nielson as well.

"We’ve got some new-found depth and I think we can cover it pretty well.

"I guess to be a good side, you almost need 30-35 players and we have certainly got that.

"Competition for spots is great and it’s a healthy position for the North Melbourne Football Club."

North Melbourne opens its NAB Challenge campaign against the Crows in Port Lincoln on March 1.