North Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow leads his side off the field. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow
NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott refused to declare the club's season over despite a disappointing 38-point defeat to Fremantle yesterday.
The loss leaves the Kangaroos three games and percentage adrift of the top eight with a dismal 4-8 record.
"That's what supporters and media do. We don't focus on that, because it's an outcome," Scott said.
"It's something that's a result of your effort and the things you do throughout the year.
"Like last year, in a similar position, we just work on our game and we work on getting our game to the point where we're playing good footy."
Scott said he was unsure whether midfielder Ben Cunnington would be available for next Sunday's game against Greater Western Sydney after he withdrew for personal reasons yesterday.
"It's a personal, private family issue and we're going to respect that," Scott said.
"Our thoughts are with him. He'll be back when he's back, but we can't put a time frame on that."
Forward Lindsay Thomas was subbed out in the third quarter with a tight buttock/hamstring, but is expected to be available.
Star Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow is in doubt for next Saturday's blockbuster between Geelong and Fremantle with a possible facial fracture.
Barlow was taken to hospital for scans last night amid fears of a broken jaw after copping a blow to the face in a marking attempt.
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon lauded the courage shown by Barlow, who starred with 31 possessions and 151 SuperCoach points before being felled.
"There's a bit of swelling," Lyon said.
"It was really courageous. He never takes his eye off the ball and set a real standard for the team today.
"To get back to his best form off significant injury is a real credit to him and he's a real team leader."
Barlow's potential loss should be offset by the return of David Mundy, who was a late withdrawal with a calf injury, for the second-versus-third showdown with the Cats.
Geelong and Fremantle will play off for a spot in the top two in a re-match of last year's elimination final, when the Dockers' boilover win prompted predictions of the demise of the Cats' dynasty.
"We see it as one of the biggest challenges in footy," Lyon said.
"We know they've been a great football club. We want to build to be a great football club and part of that is going interstate and knocking over teams like Geelong.
"We're aware the last time we played them was in a final and we walked away victorious. But we know that counts for nothing and I'm sure they'll be keen to return the favour."
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