“Weren’t up to the level”: Candid Roos skipper on dismal practice match performance

North Melbourne captain Nick Larkey has conceded Friday night's effort against Melbourne wasn't up to scratch.

The Kangaroos lost to the Dees by 80 points at Casey Fields in their first unofficial hitout of 2026.

"Not ideal," Larkey told Zero Hanger when reflecting on the outing.

"Not an ideal start, but at the end of the day, they're practice matches for a reason, we just weren't up to the level. The Dees were amazing.

"We got some stuff wrong, and I'm looking forward to getting to the club on Tuesday and picking it apart, but we had a couple of key players out, sparks for the club that get us going, so it's less than ideal and disappointing to have that showing in pre-season, but that's why they're practice matches.

"You can get things wrong, adjust, understand that is the level. We know we've been there, we took it up to some really good teams last year, so it's a matter of flicking it back on and we get another chance to do it against the Pies this Sunday."

Among the absentees were Paul Curtis, Aidan Corr, George Wardlaw, Colby McKercher, Luke McDonald and Charlie Spargo.

Pressure is mounting on four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson to take the Roos back to September, having won just 11 of his 69 games at the helm of the club.

Not since 2016 have the Kangaroos qualified for finals, but with more experience on the list this year compared to 2025, there is optimism that 2026 is the year they could make the jump.

"I'm sure it wouldn't have looked that great on TV. It didn't feel good on-field but it's that adjustment, that's AFL-intensity level," Larkey continued.

"It's not like we've never played at that level before. We know what it looks like, we've just got to be able to get it, hopefully this Sunday before Round 1."

With double-up matches against Port Adelaide, West Coast, Richmond and to a lesser degree Essendon, all expected to struggle in 2026, and home games against wobbly travelling teams, Fremantle and Gold Coast, the fixture presents a great opportunity.

Only West Coast conceded more points than the Roos in 2025, but the club is looking at changing the way it defends in 2026.

But the Roos were touched up by a side expected to languish in 2026, prompting concern about the year ahead.

Wardlaw failing to see out the VFL game on limited minutes due to his troublesome hamstring and Riley Hardeman going down with an ankle injury further soured a dirty night.

The Roos will take on Collingwood on Sunday at Mars Stadium, before kicking off its AFL season on March 15 against Port Adelaide.