North Melbourne's AFL season is alive after a shock 40-point win over West Coast but coach Brad Scott wants to keep a lid on finals talk.
The Kangaroos stayed in touch with the top eight after a dominant second half secured a 12.9.81 to 6.5.41 victory on Sunday afternoon in Hobart.
Scott revealed the catalyst was some home truths following a disappointing loss to Collingwood last week.
"We certainly asked for a response today and we got it," he said.
North Melbourne are now four points outside the eight, with their remaining four games against teams below them on the ladder.
"We were aware of the importance in terms of ladder position," Scott said of the upset at Bellerive Oval in front of 11,176 fans.
"The true test for professionals in any sport is being able to focus on what's in front of you. Being able to follow a system and process to achieve the outcome."
The Kangaroos doubled West Coast's inside 50s - 38 to 16 - during a scrappy first half but were only ahead 34-31 at halftime.
They pulled away in the all-important third quarter, though, booting four-straight goals to lead 61-38 heading into the final term.
West Coast, who were without Josh Kennedy and Luke Shuey, scored just one second-half goal, booted by Elliot Yeo early in the third quarter.
"We were missing a couple of players today but that's not an excuse," coach Adam Simpson said.
"We've won before with some personnel missing. Unfortunately, we couldn't sustain effort or energy around the ball."
North Melbourne's Ben Cunnington was one of the best on ground with a game-high 39 touches and a crucial major midway through the third.
Jack Ziebell, Mason Wood and Shaun Higgins slotted doubles, as did the Eagles' Willie Rioli - his highlight was a low skidding goal in the opening quarter.
The Eagles were after a win to all but lock up second spot and a home qualifying final.
They host Fremantle next week, while the Kangaroos play the Lions in Brisbane and could have veteran Jarrad Waite back from a calf injury.
"He's certainly ready to go. It's just a matter of when we pull the trigger," Scott said.
