It was one of North’s most disappointing quarters in recent years, and its significance wasn’t lost on the players.

While Drew Petrie was far from the Roos’ worst during a third term display Brad Scott described as “disgusting”, the vice-captain gave an honest appraisal of his team’s performance.

“39 points up at half-time we were playing some really good in the first half. We were playing simple footy given the conditions were a bit slippery,” he told NMFC.com.au.

“We were just playing really efficient footy. The instruction at half-time was to just keep that up, keep playing that way. We felt as though we were working harder than Collingwood, running harder and doing things better.

“In the second half it’s like we tried to do the opposite. It was as Brad (Scott) said, a “disgrace”, it was disgusting. Unfortunately our supporters and members had to do sit through one of the worst quarters and worst halves of footy for a couple of years.”

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The Magpies piled on ten goals in a row in a devastating display which left the Roos shell-shocked.

Despite a last quarter comeback which even saw North regain the lead, the damage had been done, no matter the result.

“You rely on individuals to be able to just grab the moment and do it themselves,” Petrie said.

“I think the first three minutes of the third quarter we actually won a lot of ball and got it inside 50 a couple of times and were only a smidge away from getting the first goal of the second half. We could have extended the lead.

“Once we’re getting challenged we just need guys to get the footy going our way. I think the responsibility comes back to those on the field. The coach does send down instructions throughout the quarter but it’s up to the guys with their actions just to lay the tackle, to get the footy moving forward to lock it on our half.”

After a long review on Tuesday, the focus is now on ensuring a strong response against the Eagles at Blundstone Arena on Sunday.

“You earn respect in the competition from beating good sides and West Coast. I think they are second on the ladder coming off a great win and a great streak of wins,” Petrie added.

“Probably because they are on the other side of the country they’re not getting all the attention on the footy shows, so they are flying under the radar which I’m sure they love.

“That’s the sort of side you want to run into after a disappointing game like we had last week.”