WARREN Tredrea's missed chance to win for Port Adelaide was undoubtedly the icing on the cake for North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley as the Roos claimed crucial premiership points on Saturday night.

It was Tredrea who bowed to the crowd on Port's way to an 87-point win in last year's finals, denying the Kangaroos a grand final berth and, despite words of regret by the Power captain, the unsavoury gesture has continued to hurt.

With 26 seconds to go, Tredrea had a set shot on a very tight angle, moved sideways and missed what he should have snared, handing North a thrilling two-point win. After the match, Laidley, who seemed bemused by the general lack of hard questions during the news conference, reacted cautiously when asked whether karma had bitten Tredrea.

"I've got to say, you beat your opponent, you don't humiliate them," Laidley said. "Perhaps that (Tredrea's missed shot) was karma. I'm not too sure — it's a good headline."

Laidley was more focused on the outstanding performance of 19-year-old midfielder Ben Ross, who had 21 quality disposals and was a key figure in a hectic last quarter in which North kicked 3.3 to 1.3.

Laidley also challenged the selectors of the Rising Star award to nominate young defender Gavin Urquhart.

"For the games he's played, he's been outstanding for us," the coach said. "Surely this week he's got to get the Rising Star after his last three performances. Surely to God? He's been exceptional for us."

North Melbourne escaped without serious injury concerns and is likely to recall Shannon Grant, who was stood down for disciplinary reasons, for Friday night's contest with Collingwood at Telstra Dome.

The Kangaroos are a draw and percentage out of the top eight, and their run home to the finals is challenging, coming up against Collingwood, the Western Bulldogs and Geelong.