A lopsided clash in tough conditions up north has seen North Melbourne cop another belting in 2024, this time conceding 12 goals in the second half to go down by 68 points to Gold Coast.
The final score of 17.18 (120) to 7.10 (52) marks the Roos' ninth straight loss this season, turning up the heat on coach Alastair Clarkson.
There were positives in the start for the Roos - Jaidyn Stephenson booting an early one and a high pressure gauge for the first term.
But they couldn't keep up the pace, and the Suns took control, leaving North Melbourne in their dust.
"Up until three-quarter-time... we thought we were still in the game in general play," Clarkson said post-match.
"For a 10-goal loss it wasn't like they dominated general play.
"We just couldn't convert those opportunities with the ball into depth inside 50.
"We gave up too much of the ball through the middle of the ground and they really punished us on turnover.
"In the last quarter we were a bit dead on our feet.
"It's tough when you're behind on the scoreboard by a fair margin at three-quarter-time.
"They bring on a fresh bloke, they've got run and you're trying to chase down a lead in hot conditions.
"We're a young side that needs to learn to work our way through that."
While admitting they missed chances and coughed up the ball too much, Clarkson did find room for praise in some little wins on the day, including number two draft pick Colby McKercher's continued form and the performance of defenders Charlie Comben and Luke McDonald.
"I think that's the third week in a row where he's (McKercher) managed to have 30 touches... they're the little wins we're searching for with some of our players," he added.
"At some point in time, this club's going to turn this around, it's disappointing that we're losing games of footy but as long as we keep blooding these kids and giving some exposure then the wheel will turn for us eventually."
With Essendon and Port Adelaide next on the list, a win doesn't seem to be nearing. The challenge of finding a win before the Round 12 bye will be at the forefront of Clarkson's mind, hoping to find something out of a horror season so far at Arden street.
