Missed opportunities were the difference between celebrating a win and the disappointment of defeat against Sydney, according to forwards coach Leigh Tudor.

“It was a tough game. I thought they (the Swans) took their opportunities and we didn’t,” Tudor told North Media. 

“I think early in the game they got us on the spread and intercepted well on us.

“There were just a few things where we led for the ball and didn’t take it and the opposition took the mark.”

North started strongly with two quick goals to Kayne Turner, but the Swans were dominant for the second term and held sway for much of the night. 

A last-gasp charge wasn't enough to get the Roos their third win. 

“We probably didn’t start firing up until too late,” Tudor said.

“I think the midfielders started to get on top towards the end, but Sydney throwing a lot of numbers back … there were a lot of numbers in the forward line which made it hard to score.”

While North ultimately left Blundstone Arena lamenting what could have been, there were positives.

“Jack (Ziebell) got a lot of touches and he was hard at it. He plays to win,” Tudor said.

The North skipper collected 35 touches, almost single-handedly willing his team over the line, while up-and-coming forward Nick Larkey continues to impress.

“He (Larkey) stood up again in a high pressure game,” Tudor added.

“I think he’s competing really well for us at the moment, which is really good.”

North will look to bounce back against the Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon at Marvel Stadium.