NORTH Melbourne skipper Adam Simpson hopes his side's fighting win over Collingwood can be the catalyst for the Roos to snap their inconsistency this season.
Having beaten the Magpies for the second time this year – complementing wins over top-four certainties Hawthorn and the Bulldogs – the skipper said youth is at the heart of the side's up and down season.
"This year we’ve been inconsistent," Simpson acknowledged, before pondering why his side seemed to play its best football when the situation was desperate.
"I don’t think its backs against the wall but we are a younger side this year and we’ve got some really young players. I’m not making excuses but that’s just what happens with young guys."
After trailing by 11 points at quarter time, the Roos kicked 16 goals to the Pies' 11 in the remaining three quarters to record their eighth win of the year.
The side also jumped into the top eight, but can be replaced if St Kilda beats Hawthorn at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.
Simpson said recent history between the two sides gave the Roos some confidence, despite wasting opportunities early.
"With Collingwood we are always in the hunt," he said.
"The last four of five times we’ve played them it’s been like that.
"To come out after half time and step up and see the younger guys do well alongside some the senior blokes was a fantastic sign."
Simpson highlighted the efforts of Drew Petrie and Michael Firrito as catalysts for the three-goal win.
"Drew was exceptional but those two blokes always do their jobs," he said.
"When they play well I don’t think we’ve lost."
While the veterans did the job – Simpson had 21 possessions of his own – so, too, did a bevy of youngsters headed by Matt Campbell.
The electrifying small forward kicked two goals and set up the sealer late in the game. He was dangerous all night opposed to a variety of opponents.
"We need a bit of pace in the side and its gives everyone a lift to see him taking everyone on and taking the game on," Simpson said.
"The trick with our small forwards is that they have to be able to come and play midfield a bit and tonight they did that."
