SATURDAY night's fadeout against the Brisbane Lions was not a choke but a result of an injury toll that left the Kangaroos short of run, Brad Scott says.
North Melbourne led by 33 points at the 24-minute mark of the third term, before the Lions stormed home with 10 of the final 13 goals to win by 12 points.
It was the fifth time this season the Kangaroos have led during the last quarter before losing.
After losing Lachie Hansen to concussion early in the first quarter, the Kangaroos resembled the walking wounded by full-time with Andrew Swallow (hand), Aaron Mullett (ankle) and Robbie Tarrant (knee) all playing the game out injured.
The Roos were accused of choking earlier in the season – particularly after capitulating against Adelaide in round nine – but Scott said there was no "pattern" with Saturday night's loss.
Although he didn't want to use injuries as an excuse, Scott hinted they were a factor.
"Unfortunately people say it's a trend and when you see those last quarters it probably is," Scott said.
"We see it as specific incidents and specific things we've got to work on. It'd be unfair to lump that into it being a pattern because I think it's pretty specific today.
"The reason we lost the game is because we couldn’t get across to the contest and we couldn't win it when we did get there."
Scott said the final quarter resembled a "procession" of players coming off, but he was unable to elaborate on the extent or severity of any of the injured quartet.
He was also not pleased with the way North Melbourne finished quarters, with goals late in the second and third terms keeping the Lions in business.
"Brisbane out-worked us in the second half and that's it. The reasons for that, well, we'll have a look at that," he said.
"There's no point getting upset and angry about it now."
Michael Whiting is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
