Michael Firrito says North wants to hit teams where it hurts most, on the scoreboard.

Speaking on SEN’s Morning Glory, Firrito said the physical nature of Saturday’s loss to the Hawks didn’t rattle the Roos’ confidence.

"Media are saying perhaps a few more sides will do it to us, we’ll face that if it comes."

The 31-year-old said players knew there was a fine line between sticking up for a teammate and giving away a free kick for retaliation.

"In today’s games when the competition is so even you can’t afford to give the opposition anything."

In line with Brad Scott’s comments yesterday that flying the flag was "crap", Firrito said the players knew what was expected of them if things got heated.

"He (Scott) wants to see it (the physicality) in the contest, when the balls there to be won you bodyline the ball, win the ball and hurt them (the opposition) on the scoreboard."

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Fellow teammate Drew Petrie agreed, telling the AFL Exchange Podcast the physical nature of the Hawthorn game was no surprise.

"The way that Port Adelaide jumped them (Hawthorn) the week earlier, we didn’t expect anything less than something like that," Petrie said.

"We did what we should have initially (after Luke Hodge's hit on Andrew Swallow), but I think if Andrew had his time again he’d agree he overstepped the mark by giving the free kick away."

Petrie said planning was well underway for Saturday’s clash at Blundstone Arena, a game which is close to a sell-out.

"Richmond played very good football last week against Geelong in the second half when they fought their way back in," he added.

"It’s the same names; it’s (Bachar) Houli, it’s (Trent) Cotchin getting a lot of the ball off half-back, and also (Brandon) Ellis having an influence now.

"We are aware their midfielders get a lot of the footy all the time, and the way they are the ones that damage you. We’ll certainly be keen to stop their influence."