North Melbourne coach Brad Scott admits Lindsay Thomas's scatter-gun first half of the AFL season in front of goal has left mental scars.

The Kangaroos' leading goal-kicker last season, Thomas was a disconsolate figure on the North bench after spraying the simplest of close-range set shots in the third term against Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday.

It was his only scoring shot for the day and took his season record to 17.29, as well as numerous kicks out on the full.

While the Kangaroos were already out of the contest, the miss hit Thomas hard. He was spotted soon afterwards sitting on the bench with his head in his hands, covered by a towel.

Scott was in no doubt the inaccuracy was more to do with psychology than skill.

"We're kidding ourselves if we think it's a technique issue, we're well aware it's a (mental issue), because he's a very good kick," Scott said.

"Very good kicks don't miss those shots."

Scott said the goal-shooting woes had been mentally plaguing the forward for some time.

"It's not just now, it hasn't just happened," he said.

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