North Melbourne's Jamie Macmillan says his teammates plan to respond to "disrespectful" criticism through their on-field AFL performances.
After finishing 15th this season and failing to lure a big name to Arden St through the trade period, it appears it's a long road back to the finals for the Kangaroos.
But Macmillan, who announced a contract extension until the end of 2020, wasn't pleased with some assessments, particularly those levelled at Ben Cunnington and Robbie Tarrant, who were described by former Hawthorn recruiting manager and list expert Gary Buckenara as "B-grade".
"I found it disrespectful; I actually took it really personally and I have no doubt there are a couple guys feeling p***ed off about it," Macmillan told SEN radio.
"Ben Cunnington is, if not the best, one of the best inside-clearance players in the competition and Robbie Tarrant's an All Australian squad member and if it wasn't for Alex Rance, who's probably one of the best fullbacks the game's ever seen, he'd probably be in the All Australian team.
"But hopefully, as you saw this year, we were able to put in some pretty competitive performances that raised a few eyebrows and next year we'll certainly be looking to do that again, and that's probably the only way you can respond."
Macmillan, who has played 117 games with North, says if some senior players such as skipper Jack Ziebell and veteran forward Jarrad Waite can stay injury-free there's "exciting times ahead" for his club.
"If we can get everyone on the park (and) the older guys can lead the way for the young kids who have got the X-factor, well the sky's the limit," Macmillan said.
"That's why I've re-signed as well - I want to play finals footy and I believe we can."
