David King slams North Melbourne following "disastrous" and "unacceptable" Good Friday thrashing
North Melbourne great David King has slammed his former club following its 39-167 loss to the Western Bulldogs on Friday.
The 128-point loss was a new low point for the Roos, who were well beaten by 59 points last week by Gold Coast.
Following the Gold Coast defeat Kangaroos captain Jack Ziebell said he was “definitely expecting a response” against the Dogs, and King said it was “disastrous” to make a statement like that and not deliver.
“Use whatever words you want, that was a disastrous performance, it’s unacceptable,” King said on Fox Footy post-match.
“As you said, we’ve been in this position seven days prior.
“When you make statements like that, I think you’ve got to back it up, clearly they didn’t.
“It fell away big time in the second half, and they invite the pressure that comes now from external sources."
While not questioning his effort, King said he was unsure if Ziebell was suited to his new role at half back.
“I think Jack Ziebell was a victim of his own efforts early, he blew up large,” King added.
“He can’t run out a game and playing half back, the demands of the game mean you’ve got to do more running than Jack is probably capable of at this stage.
“Which is a real question if he can play as a half back flanker."
The two-time premiership Roo believes the club’s leaders and youngsters gave their all, and instead heaped blame on the “middle-core” of players who didn’t step up when it mattered.
“I’m giving him (Ben Cunnington) and Jack (Ziebell) an out because they worked so hard, and Todd Goldstein the same,” King added.
“But that middle core of player didn’t come to play today, particularly for the final three quarters.”
The winless Kangaroos will look to earn their first victory of the season against Adelaide at Marvel Stadium next Sunday.