North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has explained that the Kangaroos won't get caught in the 'hysteria' of their 101-point loss to Geelong.
The Kangaroos were smashed by the Cats on Saturday night at Marvel Stadium, losing (7.7) 49 to (22.18) 150.
Cats' superstar forward Jeremy Cameron starred in the match as he kicked 11 goals against the 17th-placed Roos.
Clarkson explained in his post-match press conference that the club has seen some tough battles with their side facing suspensions and injuries.
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"It's a tough year to get through... and you only need to look at the Bombers last night and us tonight, it's just some battles with some injuries, suspensions and not having the depth on our list that the other sides have got. There's a whole combination of factors," Clarkson said.
"What we don't want to get caught up with is the hysteria with results. We know where we are as a footy club, and right at the minute, our depth is being tested."
The North Melbourne coach has had pressure from pundits as his team has recorded just 10 wins in his three seasons as coach.
Clarkson added that the young talent will make the football club better in the long term and has been more competitive this year.
"I don't want to make excuses for our players, it's where we're at though, and we're giving these young players some exposure and some opportunity," he said.
"We just know the only way forward for us is to continue to give these young players some exposure, and we feel like if they can come through together, then we'll improve as a footy club.
"We've been much more competitive than what we were last year, and we've won more quarters, been in more games at three-quarter time than last year. There some of the measurements we use."
The Kangaroos will take on St Kilda next week at Marvel Stadium, while the Cats will take on Port Adelaide at home.