Solomon on… a disappointing performance

"Yeah, no, a bit disappointing.

"There was a period in the third quarter where we were smashed in contested possession, clearance, entries and time in forward half. They had it on their terms.

"We had nine players that didn't have a tackle and three players that had one tackle. That's not the brand of footy we're chasing.

"We still got within 13 or 14 points, but there's a lot we can continue to tidy up."

Solomon on… responding to adversity

"The game tests you. It's testing our players and our whole club right now.

"We'll find out about individuals and how we push back on that.

"I'd love nothing more than for our players, members and supporters to sing the song, but we know we've got a lot of hard work to earn that right.

"The players are still working incredibly hard during the week. I can't ask any more of them in that space.

"We'll keep doing that and, hopefully, we'll get the opportunity to sing the song."

Solomon on… the tackling issues

"It's more method.

"We understand where we're at and we've got a young group, but our method around tackling has to improve.

"Their work around centre bounce was elite. We've learned from that, but we've got to get better. We understand that and we own it."

Solomon on… using Zach Merrett across half-back

"That's a discussion we'll have as a coaching group.

"Right here, right now, I'd say yes because I want to continue to drive better forward ball movement.

"Early tonight we kept going lateral and then rushed ourselves too much.

"An experienced player like Zach can take control of that, but we'll discuss whether that's his best role."

Solomon on… improving starts

"We're trying to work on that.

"We need to be really decisive from the start of the game and not fear mistakes.

"Our fundamentals are frustrating all of us at the moment, but we acknowledge that.

"We want to be proactive on both sides of the ball and we're not there yet."

Solomon on… North Melbourne's transition

"We were too chaotic with our ball movement early and it didn't allow us to squeeze the ground.

"They intercepted and rebounded far too easily.

"We looked to own the ball a bit more after that and be more methodical going forward so we could defend the ground better."

Solomon on… coaching through a difficult period

"I love coaching.

"This is what footy does. It stresses you and tests you.

"There's only one way through it. Roll your sleeves up, get to work, stay connected and stay aligned with what we're trying to achieve.

"We all want to see this football club back where it belongs, and if I can play a small role in that, I'm happy."