North Melbourne are again on level terms, but coach Brad Scott wants his players to snare a big fish to get their heads above water this AFL season.

Saturday night's 12.12 (84) to 11.9 (75) win over Adelaide at Etihad Stadium squared the Kangaroos' ledger at four wins and four losses and was the third time they notched a victory after a heavy defeat the previous week.

But Scott is conscious of North's poor record against the better sides this season, which makes Saturday's clash against the Western Bulldogs vital if the `Roos are to finally strike a positive win-loss record.

"That's another big challenge for us," Scott said.

"There's no point hiding away from the fact that against the genuine contenders we've failed this year.

"It's another opportunity against a side that most people would consider to be a top-four side, so we've got to get out and prove we can match it with them."

Against the in-form sides North have recorded heavy losses this year to St Kilda (104 points in round two), Sydney (40 points in round four) and Collingwood (66 points in round seven).

"We've got to start playing the sort of footy that we believe is going to be successful in the future," Scott said.

"I go into every game thinking we're going to win it."

North will this week monitor the fitness of ruckmen Hamish McIntosh (shoulder) and David Hale (back), who were injured before and during the game against the Crows respectively.

Hale's forced exit early in the game left the Kangaroos with only three fit players on the bench, and Scott said that played a major part in his side's inability to finish strongly.

North led by 54 points at three-quarter time, but Adelaide kicked seven goals to none in the last quarter to reduce the margin significantly.

Scott joined the chorus calling for a substitute to be added to the bench for when players suffer game-ending injuries.

He also paid tribute to big man Todd Goldstein, who shouldered the ruck responsibility when Hale left the game.

"He has been a terrific player for us all year," Scott said.

"I think a lot of people talk about the McIntosh, Goldstein, Hale and (Drew) Petrie options, but Goldy has really stood up and staked his claim for a permanent spot in this side.

"We couldn't have got the job done without him."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP