North Melbourne was left to rue several missed opportunities in front of goal, but was ultimately outplayed by Sydney, coach Rhyce Shaw says.

Shaw pointed to the Swans’ pressure and contest work, and admitted his team only had momentum for “bits and pieces” of Saturday’s game.

“It was disappointing … make no mistake about it, that was a disappointing effort from us,” he told the media.

“We felt as though we came in with good plans, but to Sydney’s credit they played some really good footy.

“They got on the front foot and their contest work and pressure around the ball was first class, and we just didn’t match them.”

North kicked the first two goals of the game and looked to be continuing where they left off last week, but struggled to keep the ascendency thereafter. 

“Half-way through the first you got a sense that they (the Swans) were coming,” Shaw said.

“We obviously didn’t put some pressure on the scoreboard, and obviously missed a few shots, but I just think Sydney was really strong in the contest, and their pressure was spot on.”

After falling five goals behind midway through the third quarter, North fought back late, but fell short by 11 points. 

“I think there were bits and pieces there for us, but if you want to be a really good side and we want to be a finals side, we can’t be bits and pieces,” Shaw said.

“You always look at that and get a sense that if we had have hit the scoreboard in the way we could have, the game could have been different, but I also look at the game in general and the style of the game; those shots were from a long way out, and Sydney did a great job of defending and made it really difficult for us.

“I just felt that the momentum of the game was with the Swans. We were trying really hard to peg it back, but just not with the method we should.”

Ben Cunnington was a late withdrawal for the home side due to back soreness.

“It was serious enough to keep him out,” Shaw added.

“He was a chance to play, but we just thought it was the right thing for him to keep him out, because we wanted to make sure he was 100 per cent.

“We’ll get him assessed on Monday and see how he goes, but it’s not too bad.

“It happened yesterday (Friday) … he had a bit of soreness. He woke up this morning and couldn’t get out of bed.”