NORTH Melbourne forward and Geelong nemesis David Hale is already looking forward to a possible finals rematch with the Cats but admits the Roos still have some work to do to beat the reigning premiers.

"We've got stuff to work on and we obviously turned the ball over a bit," Hale said after Sunday's 33-point loss at Skilled Stadium.

"But all in all, if we have a win next week, we might be able to play them again in the qualifying finals. So we'll see how we go.

"Our form's been really good since the break and our game against St Kilda and we strung six [wins] together against some quality teams.

"Our form was very good going into [Sunday's game].

"But the margin was five goals in the end and hopefully we can bridge that margin if we play them again."

Hale booted eight goals at Skilled Stadium on Sunday after also kicking four goals in the Roos' narrow loss to the Cats earlier in the season. That makes him the most effective forward the Cats have faced this season and they appeared lost for answers as to how to counter the big Queenslander.

North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley described Hale's performance as "probably the best game I've seen by a North Melbourne player in a long, long time".

But Hale played down his best-on-ground performance saying a win was all he was after.

"Individually, it was a pretty good day, but it's a team sport and we obviously came down here with a desire to win and we fell short a little bit, so we've still got some things to work on," Hale said.

"But, individually, it was a pretty good day, so I can't complain.

"I guess I was getting to the right spots and they were sticking a bit today and I got a few free kicks as well, so that helps.

"But when the boys put it in the right spot and you're in the best position, it probably doesn't matter who you're playing on, you're going to mark it."

Hale is having his most consistent season and said he was enjoying his time as a key forward after having also spent much of his career in the ruck.

"This year, I've played forward a lot more and the last couple of months I've played some good footy and I've been able to take some grabs and kick some goals, so it's been good for the team and for my own confidence," Hale said.

"If I can keep doing what I've been doing – taking some contested grabs and kicking a few goals – that's all the coach asks for and that's pretty much my role at the moment."

Hale's four-goal effort against the Cats in round 11 was his previous personal best. Aside from that, a 14-goal haul in an under 12s match was his greatest feat.

 Hale said the Roos "held our own" against the Cats early on, before slipping in the second term. "In the first quarter and a half, we not so much controlled the game, but we were definitely taking most of our chances going forward," Hale said.

"But they're a great team and they shut us down a bit in the midfield; it's hard to kick a winning score when it's not coming into attack as often as you would've liked.