"The signs are there and we've just got to put in a better four quarter effort," Garlett told kangaroos.com.au.
"Fitzy (Senior Coach Gerard Fitzgerald) was pretty disappointed like the rest of the boys but after the game, just told us we need to be much more competitive and run out the whole match."
After a positive start, the Roosters struggled to keep up with the reining premiers and allowed them kick 16 goals to five.
"We stuck with them for about the first half of the game and then fell away in the third quarter when we let them get a bit more run and kick a lot of goals from their stoppages."
The midfielder worked tirelessly throughout the day, finishing off with 23 possessions, five clearances, six tackles and a goal and said he was impressed by the performances of fellow North Melbourne players Aaron Mullett and Cameron Richardson.
"Richo (Richardson 23 possessions, one goal) was especially good today and his run was very impressive. Fishy (Mullett) had 25 possessions and a goal and definitely played his role.
"All the boys worked really hard and it certainly was a tough day coming up against the undefeated premiers."
Gavin Urquhart had a solid outing with 18 possesions and six tackles while Ben Mabon managed 34 hit-outs despite playing undersized.
Aaron Black had 13 disposals and seven marks, Cameron Delaney racked up 12 touches and Brad McKenzie finished with 17.
North Ballarat takes on Casey away next weekend and will be hoping to get its season back on track.
Port Melbourne 5.2 10.3 18.7 26.10 (166)
North Ballarat 3.3 7.8 8.9 12.10 (82)
GOALS:
Port Melbourne: Dwyer 4 Cain 4 Grice 3 Galea 2 Pleming 2 Wooffindin 2 Gale Johnston Burstin Valenti Dillon Pitt Bonaddio Langford Skipper
North Ballarat: Driscoll 4 Towers Sewell Giampaolo Mullett Grigg Curnow Evans Garlett
BEST:
Port Melbourne: Baird Dwyer Cain Wooffindin Valenti Bonaddio
North Ballarat: Garlett Mullett Evans Hoy Couch Sewell
