NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott has already made several decisions on who will and won't play against Hawthorn after the club's shock four-point loss to the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night.



He would not reveal who was to be axed but said the players were not delivering the ruthless attitude he demanded on a consistent basis and therefore action was needed.



He also said he took on board external criticism suggesting he might have been too patient with some players.



"I'm after a ruthless attitude from our players [and] I'm not getting it at the moment. Players in one way, shape or form reflect their coach [and] that tells me I'm not been ruthless enough with them," Scott said.



"I'm demanding a ruthless attitude and they are not delivering it so that reflects on me so we will see a response this week."



On Saturday night Ryan Bastinac had 10 disposals in the first quarter and just one in the second. Aaron Black took just two marks as a key forward and has kicked just 16 goals this season, with just three goals in the club's six losses. Brad McKenzie had just four touches, having returned to the team just two weeks ago.



However, the club's lengthy injury list has made it difficult to find replacements.



Key players Daniel Wells (foot) and Jamie Macmillan (broken leg) are still sidelined, vice-captain Jack Ziebell is battling knee soreness that will need further scans this week and it will be decided on Monday afternoon whether Robbie Tarrant needs surgery on his troublesome lower leg.



Small forward Robbie Nahas has a shoulder injury and Nathan Grima is battling a foot injury.



Scott said despite the mood of the group, a fierce response was expected against Hawthorn on Friday night.



"We're eight and six. It feels like there has been a death in the family at the moment, such is the mood of the players, but we have a short turnaround to get it back on track this week," Scott said.



Scott said he had told key forward Drew Petrie he should have had a shot for goal late in the game when clear inside 50 rather than trying to pass the ball to Bastinac.



"Drew is the ultimate team man and he was trying to be unselfish, whereas my direction to Drew is 'you are a big strong full-forward, take the responsibility and kick the goal yourself'," Scott said.

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