Rhyce Shaw says his players went into Sunday’s match with great confidence, and dismissed suggestions of an “upset” victory.  

The Giants, 2019 Grand Finalists, were heavy favourites heading into the match, but the result came as no surprise to the visiting team. 

“In our minds it wasn’t an upset. We were pretty confident going into the game,” Shaw told the media. 

“We play a pretty strong brand of footy and we’re here to win every game so in our minds it wasn’t an upset.” 

North brought an unmatched level of intensity from the get-go, unsettling the Giants, and thrilling the coach.

“We were team-first, we were organised. The way we attacked the contest was sensational,” Shaw said. 

“We are a really basic team that fights for each other. We really played really organised defence for long periods of time.” 

Although the Roos have won their opening two games, Shaw said there is still a long way to go.

“I think we have got to earn that right still a little bit,” he said. 

“We are on a journey as a footy club and we are going to enjoy that journey and make sure we earn the right to play these good teams at the right time of the year. 

“There is a long way to go, but I’m excited.”