The loss to the Swans was a disappointing result, which has made their chances of playing finals more difficult as they struggle to lift themselves back into the eight with a crippling percentage of 81.31.
Club veteran Brady Rawlings appeared dejected after an extraordinarily long team meeting after the game.
Rawlings didn't elaborate too much on what was said by coach Brad Scott to the playing group, but did admit it was suggested the whole team had to pull their weight.
"He (Scott) was disappointed. He let us know just how disappointed he was and we obviously feel the same way," Rawlings said.
"He stressed how much we need to have 22 players out there playing their role each week. We can't have half the team playing well and the rest of the guys toeing the line so the key is getting everyone contributing each week."
The Kangaroos remained close in the final quarter, before the Swans pulled away at the end, which was even more frustrating for the players according to Rawlings.
"If Brent Harvey didn't get caught with the ball [early in the last quarter] and slotted that one through it would have been six points and we still would have had a chance," Rawlings said. "It just goes to show if we had everyone contributing what could have happened."
"Mentally it's probably the toughest loss this year we've had to deal with because of the importance of the game.
"The boys are really flat at the moment, but it's all about coming out strong next week and every game for the rest of the year, it will be interesting to see how we can respond."
North Melbourne faces a red-hot Richmond outfit next week.
Rawlings has been watching the Tigers closely and knows his side will face a tough challenge to come out on top at the MCG.
"I've been watching them (Richmond) pretty closely the last few weeks and they're in some impressive form, especially at the MCG. They play some really good footy, so it will be a really good test for us," Rawlings said.
"We'll regroup during the week on the track and really try and focus on the Tiges, because it's a very important game in terms of keeping in touch with the eight."
