Forward Drew Petrie says his crucial move to the backline when Friday night's game against Essendon was in the balance came as no surprise.

The 32-year-old had nine touches and five marks to three-quarter time before adding a further nine kicks and seven marks – including four intercept marks inside defensive 50 – in the last term of North's 11-point win.

Petrie said coach Brad Scott had indicated he could be used in the back half of the ground, so it was no shock when he was instructed to switch ends.

"Initially Cale Hooker came down with me so I was going to run back up the other end, but then the boys told me to stay in defensive 50," Petrie told NMFC.com.au post-match.

"Brad (Scott) mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I was going to be used in that role at times throughout the season when required and tonight was the first time we've really done it."

PRESS PLAY above to watch Petrie's last quarter highlights | YouTube

Petrie said he received good support from his fellow teammates in defence, who helped him not get caught out of position.

"The defenders communicated really well … and I was able to take some marks," he said.

"I was nervous because a couple of times I was one-on-one with Joe Daniher.

"I was quick to try and hand him over to one of the defenders, which they came up and took him so I was able to stay spare."

Petrie said the Roos could have put the game beyond doubt earlier if they had kicked accurately, with the likes of Lindsay Thomas, Sam Gibson and Shaun Higgins each missing chances to capitalise.

Higgins missed two first-quarter set shots but converted with his third attempt to hand North an 11-point advantage in the dying stages of the match.

"If we had kicked straight, it would’ve looked a lot better," Petrie said.

"Brad was happy enough with the first half but just the accuracy was letting us down.

"Everyone did their little bit tonight in what was a really scrappy affair but those are the wins you need throughout a home and away season."