Defiant North Melbourne coach Brad Scott didn't take a backward step after a tumultuous week sparked by his decision to axe Brent Harvey ended with a lacklustre loss to Greater Western Sydney.
Fans largely directed their ire Scott's way after the Kangaroos decided against offering Harvey, Drew Petrie, Michael Firrito and Nick Dal Santo new deals for next year.
Scott didn't believe the events of the week played a part in the flat second-half effort in the 37-point loss to the Giants, but he took the angry supporter backlash on the chin.
"I've got a job to do and sometimes it's a tough job," Scott said.
"It's a job where you're going to have people agree and some disagree and that's leadership.
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"And leadership is making decisions sometimes that are not popular ... making the hard decision instead of the easy decision.
"But one thing I love about our football club is the passion is unrivalled. That passion can bubble over at times, but I tell you what, I'd rather have the passion, I'd rather have the love for the club."
Scott paid tribute to the professionalism of the departing quartet, who had varying returns against the Giants.
Harvey was among his side's best players with 26 possessions and two goals, while Petrie didn't touch the ball in the first half and finished goalless with four disposals.
For the third season in succession the Roos are faced with an elimination final.
Scott's side finished eighth having lost 10 of their past 13 games in a dizzying spiral that saw them fighting off challengers for their finals berth after being on top of the ladder after 12 rounds.
"I think the ladder is a pretty good reflection of the gap (between us and the top sides), but the qualification period is over," he said.
"So it really is inconsequential what the ladder says right now.
Jamie Macmillan left the game with a hip injury in the first quarter but Scott said it wasn't serious.
