NORTH Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson felt the Kangaroos were taught a harsh lesson in their thrilling loss to West Coast on Saturday.
Oscar Allen's clutch kick with 18 seconds left secured a comeback win for the Eagles in Hobart, further boosting interim coach Jarrad Schofield's stocks.
KANGAROOS v EAGLES Full match coverage and stats
The Eagles kicked the final four goals at Blundstone Arena to overcome the Kangaroos, who were up by 35 points in the third term.
Clarkson said the Roos would learn from the defeat as they fell short of winning back-to-back games for the first time since the start of last year.
"We're just disappointed because we had plenty of chances to win that game," he said.
"Sometimes you need to go through these harsh lessons as a side.
Full post-match, R22: Kangaroos
Watch North Melbourne’s press conference after round 22’s match against West Coast
"West Coast got too many easy goals (when) we had opportunities to kill the ball."
Clarkson is hopeful Harry Sheezel (31 disposals and two goals) will be fine to play next week after getting through the second half "a little bit sore" following a knock to his ankle.
Allen slotted five goals, kicking the winner after an effort from retiring veteran Andrew Gaff fell short.
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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14:35
Mini-Match: North Melbourne v West Coast
Extended highlights of the Kangaroos and Eagles clash in round 22
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04:49
Full post-match, R22: Kangaroos
Watch North Melbourne’s press conference after round 22’s match against West Coast
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01:49
Colossal Oscar starts the fire and inspires in heroic day out
Oscar Allen slots five second-half majors including a stunning match-winner to lead his side to victory
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07:45
Full post-match, R22: Eagles
Watch West Coast’s press conference after round 22’s match against North Melbourne
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07:13
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02:30
Last two mins: Eagles produce three late goals to stun Roos
Watch the thrilling final moments as West Coast came from behind to beat North Melbourne
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00:50
Experienced Eagles guns combine for electric gem
Elliot Yeo threads a cracker from the boundary after Liam Ryan's elite gather
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01:00
Awesome Allen goes berserk in incredible two-minute blitz
Oscar Allen drills two majors and sets up another for Jamie Cripps to cut the margin in quick time
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00:30
Harley's hanger! Young Eagle takes Mark of the Year contender
Harley Reid springs to the sky and sticks a super speccy
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00:33
Hot-handed Powell turns it on with brilliant bursting double
Tom Powell shows his class and skill to slot a pair of eye-catching finishes
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00:39
Sublime Sheezel oozing more class in clinical half
Harry Sheezel glides his way to a lovely bending finish with his 18th disposal
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00:52
Electric Ford finds spark with dancing boundary beauty
Eddie Ford weaves his way through traffic and threads a ripper from the angle
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00:46
Hansen jnr's jets wins the race with golden soccer
Robert Hansen jnr uses his pace to soccer through a clever major
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00:38
Early Eagles pressure cooker brings cool Trew finish
Zane Trew snaps the opening major after a terrific Oscar Allen tackle
It was 16th-placed West Coast's fifth victory this year and second in a row after beating Gold Coast in a come-from-behind effort last round.
"The heart was racing a bit but you live for those moments … that’s why you coach," Schofield said.
Full post-match, R22: Eagles
Watch West Coast’s press conference after round 22’s match against North Melbourne
The 49-year-old, who has lifted the Eagles' intensity since taking over from Adam Simpson, hasn't officially declared his interest in the full-time head coaching gig.
"What I've said all along is I'm in a position (where) I get an opportunity to help the team be better," he said.
"I'm enjoying what I'm doing … it's the reward the players are getting from their hard work."