The Roosters trailed by 27 points at half-time but delivered an inexcusable second half to suffer a 25.13 (163) – 5.9 (39) defeat.

With the game up for grabs after the main change,the Roosters conceded 9.4 in a disastrous third quarter – kicking just two behinds itself.

The final term did not bode much better. Eight goals were conceded while Nick Rippon kicked North Ballarat’s only goal of the second half at the 26-minute mark of the final term.

Coach Marc Greig said while the first half was pleasing, the drastic second half drop-off was concerning. There was not just one aspect to attend to, rather many elements including on-field leadership, execution and personnel that is causing severe losses of momentum.

“We don’t have answers at this point,” Greig said.

“The first half was positive, ball movement, stoppage work…but in regards to the second half, we couldn’t stop the rot. There’s a range of things as to why that result happens, it’s not just one problem.”

Greig said he and the coaching staff would gain a better idea as it reviews the match. But the 20-goal hammering is another backwards step from what was an improved round two performance.

The already youthful North Ballarat entered the match with an even younger outfit following injuries to key senior players last week. The inexperience was evident against a Footscray side with plenty of AFL-listed players – many of which being AFL or VFL premiership players.