FINDING another way to win besides outgunning an opponent in a shootout was a "good sign" for undefeated North Melbourne against finals rivals the Western Bulldogs, coach Brad Scott says.
The Roos ground out a fiercely-contested triumph in the lowest scoring match of the year, winning 9.7 (61) to 6.9 (45) to, at least temporarily, scoot two games clear a the top of the ladder.
It was the first time this season the Kangas haven't cracked the ton on the scoreboard, but Scott said getting over the line in the top-of-the-table clash showed North could stand up in hotly contested finals-like football.
"(The low-scoring match) wasn't too far off what we expected," Scott said.
"It was probably different to what the outside world expected, but they're a very good side in the contest and we pride ourselves on that area too.
Watch Brad Scott's full post-match press conference
"It was pretty keenly fought and it was a good sign we can get the job done multiple ways, regardless of what the opposition throw at us."
The Roos lost the contested ball count (151-166) against the typically ferocious Dogs, but laid 91 tackles to suffocate the undermanned team’s ball movement.
"What's underrated (for the Bulldogs) is their ability in the contest, so that was a big focus for us tonight," Scott said.
"We knew it was going to be pretty hot in there and when it is hot in the contest you don't necessarily get really attractive spectacles and high-scoring games.
"But from a coaching perspective, they're great wins, because when you can match it in the contest with a side that really values that, then you know you're going to be a chance in most games."
North were too tall for the Dogs in attack and defence and it told the story as the match wore on.
The Bulldogs struggled to find an avenue to goal with Jake Stringer muzzled by Scott Thompson and without Tom Boyd, while Jarrad Waite's four goals were the difference for the Roos.
Five talking points: Worth his Waite in gold
"I think it (our aerial ability) was telling. Our defenders were terrific tonight, Scott Thompson led the way and organised things down there and all the other boys followed," Scott said.
After starting seasons slowly in recent years, the Roos changed their pre-season to focus on a bigger build-up to round one and they've started the season 6-0 for the first time since 1979.
Scott said his side was a more confident and mature team than the past two beaten preliminary final outfits.
"We're a more consistent side, no doubt, we've got a better balance in defence and attack," he said.
"We're playing a brand that I think stacks up in the heat of finals pressure, that means you've got to have players who can win the ball in the contest and I think we've got some pretty good users on the outside."
Meanwhile, Scott played down an exchange involving director of football Geoff Walsh and a club doctor at half-time inside the North rooms, shortly after Kayne Turner (hamstring) and Sam Wright (ankle) received treatment.
"I'm laughing that you guys caught it on camera," Scott said.
"If we opened the doors to every exchange at half-time, during the week at training, you guys would have nothing else to write about. It's an emotional game and when you need information, you want it quickly.
"We've all got thick skins. I can tell you there was nothing untoward in that - go and have a look in the rooms, they're all partying in there at the moment."
