AFTER two consecutive losses, North Melbourne youngster Leigh Adams admitted North Melbourne’s finals hopes were on the line as his side recorded a 50-point win over Richmond on Sunday afternoon.

Adams said the disappointment from last week’s 30-point loss to the Sydney Swans spurred his side on to record their eighth win of the season which now leaves them on equal points with the eighth-placed Blues.

“We treated today as a mini-final… we were pretty disappointed last week, we had the chance to get into the top eight against Sydney and we blew that opportunity,” he said.

“We knew if we were going any chance of sticking with the top eight that we had to win today and show that we are a good football team and I think we did that.”

The 22-year old said the confidence of the group was continuing to grow each week, believing the Roos are on track to play a part in finals action this year for the first time since 2008.

“We know if we play our best footy we can match it with any team of the competition. If we can win the contested footy with the intensity we brought today every week, it is going to put us in good stead going towards finals if we can win enough games,” he said.

Adams played a vital role in a North Melbourne forward line missing Drew Petrie, finishing the match with 28-possessions and three goals against his name. 

The loss of Petrie meant he and fellow youngsters Ben Warren and Lachie Hansen had to stand up and fill the shoes of their key forward, a role Adams and his teammates are relishing.

“It is a huge blow for such a great player and a great bloke around the footy club. He has been upbeat every day and I know he will do everything right to get himself back and in good shape for next year,” he said.

“Drew is a real important player for us and even when he isn’t winning the footy, you walk a little bit taller with him on the field.”

The Roos must now shift their focus to the clash against Essendon next Saturday night at Etihad Stadium, with Adams confident his side can make it back-to-back wins and keep the pressure on for a spot in the top eight.

“It’s a huge game. We need to continue on from today and build a few games in a row if we are going to push for that top eight spot,” he said.