Play next week in perfect conditions it was the second bullet point written on the whiteboard for everyone gathered post-match in North Ballarat Roosters' rooms.

The players were quiet, focused. This was a lesson but certainly far from a fiery lecture.

*Read more: The Roosters' match report

Club preparations for such perfect Victorian Football League conditions started right then in Richmond's Jack Dyer stand at Punt Road, minutes after conceding an 82-point loss to the Tigers.

This was not about brushing off what had transpired at Tigerland, rather the starting point to move forward.

Dot point one: pride. Roosters coach Gerard FitzGerald commanded full attention to remind players, staff and supporters they were part of a good club. Specifically, all it had achieved with AFL partner North Melbourne since they teamed up in 2006. And also specifically, that this club had worked through its share of hard times.

This season, the Roosters beat Collingwood in Ballarat first up.

They dropped off against Werribee and have lost their past two matches by more than 80 points one to a stand-alone VFL rival, the other to Richmond's VFL offshoot.

"There is no easy solution, because if we had it, we would give it to you and fix this," FitzGerald told all gathered.

"... Things can turn around very quickly, but they won't turn around because someone hands it to you."

He later told The Courier he could see evidence in his playing group of a genuine commitment.

Hard work. Teamwork.

Preparing with a purpose, honest effort and belief.

These are the qualities FitzGerald demands, because he believes the Roosters can beat Carlton's Northern Blues in perfect conditions next week.