NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott says the Kangaroos still have their eyes on the finals despite two heavy defeats and the loss of Drew Petrie to another foot injury.

Petrie has been ruled out for at least six weeks with a broken right foot - he broke his left foot on the eve of the season and didn't return until round 10 - but Scott says the club is not thinking about putting him in cotton wool and resting him up for 2011.

"To lose him is extremely disappointing," Scott said. “There’s no doubt he’s a very important player and part of our structure. He was really good for us last week and the boys were rapt to have him back.

"But we're four and six and very much working hard to get back on level pegging. We're still aspiring to play deep into September."

Petrie injured his foot during his comeback game against Fremantle at Subiaco last weekend, a match the Kangaroos lost by 61 points.

Given the poor showing against Freo came after a 12-goal thumping from the Western Bulldogs, Scott says all his players are on notice that they need to improve.

“We’ve been very harsh on assessing some players’ performances over the last two weeks,” said Scott, who drew particular attention to the lack of pressure put on the opposition.

“It’s extremely disappointing. It’s something we pride ourselves on and we’ve severely let ourselves and our supporters down in that area. It’s something that we won’t stand for. It’s something we’ve got to address this week.”

The rookie coach received criticism for including too many big men against Fremantle, and he admits some of it was warranted.

“Lindsay Thomas kicked five goals five from 10 scoring shots, and it’s fair to say he wouldn’t have got those if tall forward weren’t around him,” Scott said. “I take the criticism on board. If the tall forwards take marks and kick goals I’m a genius, but the fact is they didn’t and I’ll certainly take the rap for that.”

Scott will coach against his premiership teammate Michael Voss for the first time, when the Kangaroos take on the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge for us. Vossy’s got his team playing some really good footy again and he was an outstanding leader as a player and he’s showing that he’s an outstanding leader as a coach as well.”

Having missed last weekend’s game with a groin problem, midfielder Daniel Wells trained strongly at Arden Street and looks set to return for the clash with the Lions.