NORTH Melbourne has erased the memories of last week's performance against Carlton by thrashing Fremantle by 97 points in their NAB Challenge match at Manuka Oval on Saturday.
Stand-in coach Darren Crocker, who was handed the reins by Dean Laidley this week, said the 23.11 (149) to 8.4 (52) win was predictable given the way the Roos had prepared for the match.
"Last week's performance was unacceptable," Crocker said.
"It was just the effort and work rate and that was addressed throughout the week.
"We had a good week on the track and you just knew the way the boys prepared this week that the effort and the intensity was going to be a hell of a lot better."
North marched away from Fremantle with a seven-goal second term when their physical superiority began to show.
In the second half, Fremantle had nothing left to give and were virtual spectators to the onslaught.
The young Fremantle side toiled hard but was outmuscled and outrun by a desperate opposition clearly committed to putting on an improved display.
Daniel Wells was a constant source of inspiration for his teammates, Drew Petrie provided a target in the forward line kicking five goals and the skilful Lindsay Thomas proved a constant nightmare for Fremantle defenders, finishing with four.
Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said the youth of his side left them exposed to an opponent keen to impress.
"We probably had an overload of kids and that (the score) is a direct result," Harvey said.
"That's not taking anything away from the Kangaroos.
"They are obviously rebounding quite quickly after their result last week."
Harvey said he would persist with his experimental line-up which includes opportunities for young players and using former forward Chris Tarrant in defence.
"We can all have long and hard pre-seasons but it's not until you get into a game that you work out what you have to do to be an elite player at this level," he said.
"We had six or seven first gamers today and that's where we are at."
North Melbourne 4.3 11.6 17.9 23.11 (149)
Fremantle 2.1 4.4 7.4 8.4 (52)
GOALS
North Melbourne: Petrie 5, Thomas, Ross 3, Campbell, McIntosh, Josh Smith, Watt 2, Hansen, Wells, Goldstein
Fremantle: Grover 2, Solomon, O'Brien, Dodd, Clarke, Sibosado, Peake
BEST
North Melbourne: Thomas, Wells, Petrie, Anthony, McIntosh, Campbell, Ziebell
Fremantle: Palmer, Crowley, Gilmore, Dodd
INJURIES
North Melbourne: Nil
Fremantle: Ibbotson (corked thigh), O'Brien (shoulder)
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 1661 at Manuka Oval
