NORTH Melbourne vice-captain Drew Petrie concedes his side has had little to celebrate this year and says any victories from the remaining games will be early boosts for 2010.

The Roos travel to Subiaco to play the Eagles this week, return for their second clash of the season with undefeated St Kilda in round 21 and end the year with a road trip to meet Port Adelaide.

Petrie said Sunday's win over Melbourne – North's first since round nine – had provided some late encouragement but wasn't necessarily a turning point after a string of close finishes.

Apart from a 41-point belting from the Brisbane Lions in round 17, North's average losing margin since the mid-season break was 11 points.

"Some people might say we could have got carried away a bit with the way we sung [the song] and spilt the Powerade around [on Sunday]," Petrie said.

"But I think it was a really good sign of letting some emotion out from what's been a pretty long year. A lot of the guys who had their first win, it was a great experience for them. I think it was a joyful moment for the group."

Petrie added that the side would look to force some upsets in the remaining rounds, starting with West Coast which has won its last two games.

The Eagles (12th) beat the Western Bulldogs by five points at Docklands on Saturday to overtake North (13th) on the AFL ladder.

North has not played West Coast at Subiaco since 2007 – a match it lost by 66 points.

"We can still take positives from this year but it's all about next season and the development of the group," Petrie said.

"When you can't make the finals you like to spoil it for other sides. We'll be trying to do that in the next three games."

Petrie confirmed his teammates would have a light week on the track to give themselves the best possible chance of another win.