North Melbourne coach Brad Scott was laying the blame for not being in finals contention at the feet of his own side and not Fremantle after downing West Coast on Sunday.

The Kangaroos needed Fremantle to beat Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday to remain a chance to snatch eighth spot off the Hawks.

But that hope ended when the Dockers played without at least half of their best 22 players and were duly belted by 116 points.

Although that result effectively made Sunday's clash at Subiaco a dead rubber, the ninth-placed Kangaroos were still able to beat wooden spooners West Coast by 16 points and record their 10th win in Scott's first year in charge.

"We can only concentrate on our football club and we let an opportunity slip last week against St Kilda," said Scott.

"I don't worry about their selection, but I would say that people have been quick to criticise when they have no idea as to the health and status of Fremantle's list.

"Stephen Hill and Anthony Morabito have played every game this year so how Fremantle manage their list is completely up to them.

"It's premature for people to criticise them when they have no idea as to the health of their players. It doesn't concern us in the slightest."

Scott paid tribute to his own exciting band of young players, with Ryan Bastinac, Ben Cunnington, Cruize Garlett, Levi Greenwood and Sam Wright all instrumental in making captain Brent Harvey's 300th game a memorable one.

"I wouldn't describe (the season) as a success because we will never accept mediocrity," said Scott.

"We understand the improvements we need to make as a football team, but I wouldn't declare it a success because our players don't sit there content with what they've achieved.

"What it does with some of the mini-wins we've had is drive the players for next year and beyond.

"We know we're building, but we'll never be content until we are in the position that Collingwood, Geelong and St Kilda are in."

Harvey, 32, wants to keep playing on for as long as possible and is confident the group of young players at the club can help him achieve some more success to go with his 1999 premiership.

"I absolutely love the game and training. I love going to the football club every day with 47 of my good mates, and it's a pretty good job I reckon. As long as Brad wants me to play and I'm enjoying it then I'll be willing to stick around the footy club," Harvey said.

"I'd be a terrible captain if I didn't think we could play finals footy.

"Every single game I go into I believe we can and I would hope the other 21 blokes that run out beside me think that as well.

"I believe we can win every game, which means I think we can win the flag next year."

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