North Melbourne hasn't been unlucky this year, it just hasn't been good enough.

That's the opinion of Roos coach Brad Scott after Sunday's nine-point loss to Adelaide.

The Kangaroos lost their sixth game of the season by 10 points or less against the Crows, and have lost another three by less than three goals.

They edged into the lead in the final term against the Crows but were again left to lament missed opportunities.

Scott refused to blame Lady Luck, claiming the harsh truth of the situation was that his side hasn't been up to it.

"It's another close loss, that's the fact … we were in it right up until the last minute," Scott said.

"[In] close losses you can look at things during the game that could have gone your way but didn't, but the reality is I don't see us in the top four sides.

"We haven't been unlucky this year - we just haven't been good enough."

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The Crows did all the attacking in the opening quarter and their 21-point quarter-time lead could have been much more had they kicked straight in front of goal.

It took the Kangaroos 14 minutes to register their first score of the day – a behind to Robbie Tarrant.

North has won 15 of its 19 first quarters this season, more than any other side, but after upsetting Geelong last weekend, failed to fire early against the Crows.

Scott refused to question his group's desire, insisting the future was bright at Arden Street.

"There's nothing wrong with the fight, the fight's there," he said.

"We have started well, but I think we'll put it down to their pressure more than us being a bit sluggish early.

"Essendon's the only [top side] we haven't played yet and we play them next week; every single one of those games we've either beaten them or we've right there with them.

"We're a good contested ball side, we're a good clearance side, we score well, our defence is improving dramatically, but we've got to put all those things together at once.

"All I care about is that our supporters know we're on the right track and that they should be really excited about the future."

Scott said the class of Daniel Wells was obvious in the third quarter, when the 28-year-old collected 12 of his 30 possessions and kicked one of his two goals.

The coach also played down the injury to Jack Ziebell, labeling it nothing more than a "rolled ankle".