It was one that got away, but North Melbourne coach David Noble insists there are still positives to be found.
His side missed a golden opportunity to post their second win of the AFL season on Sunday against Greater Western Sydney at Blundstone Arena.
The last-placed Kangaroos opened up a 28-point lead heading into the final term but were run down with the match finishing drawn at 94 points apiece.
"The manner we went about the game is a massive tick for us. We wanted to make a little statement in the second half of the season," Noble said.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not very happy about it (the result) but there are lots of areas ... that are moving us forward."
Jy Simpkin and Ben Cunnington were strong in the middle, as was Todd Goldstein at clearances.
Ahead 58-52 at the main break, North Melbourne kicked four unanswered goals in the all-important third term to break free.
"We've got to learn when you've got that much control, what you need to do when you do," Noble said.
"I thought we responded extremely well in the third quarter and wrestled back control of the game. Unfortunately we weren't able to do that in the last."
The Kangaroos kicked some balls out on the full late in the game, which the Giants had a chance to steal when Daniel Lloyd broke free inside 50m near the sideline with the scores tied but sprayed the goal attempt wide.
"The predictable fundamentals. You just need to execute when things get tough. They're the little areas we've got to work on," Noble said.
The Kangaroos welcomed back defender Robbie Tarrant, who played his first game of the season after having a lump removed from his kidney in March.
Noble was pleased with the veteran's work but said it will take some time for him to get back to his best.
"He was under some huge pressure at certain phases of the game."
"There's a slightly different crew (in defence) than what he's worked with previously. He held himself reasonably well and it was great to have him back."
