North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley was tremendously proud of his side's effort to beat the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night, particularly of the young players that stepped up.

The exciting eight-point victory sees the Kangaroos move to equal fourth on the ladder after they were sitting 10th prior to last weekend's win over Collingwood.

Laidley couldn't speak more highly of the performance of young players like Gavin Urquhart, Scott McMahon and Lachlan Hansen, as well as Drew Petrie, Daniel Wells and Daniel Harris stepping up in the absence of captain Adam Simpson.

"It was a tactical game. Both coaches were going at it as much as the players were on the ground and I'm so proud and I hope all our supporters are all round Australia," Laidley told Fox Sports after the match.

"There were some super efforts out there by our guys. We lost our captain before the game and our leadership group out there was super. Some of our young kids like Urquhart, McMahon and Hansen's last half were super as well and you can't ask any more than that."

Defender Michael Firrito might have had a tough night at the office, but the win was a great way for him to celebrate his 100th game.

"He has been super since coming in as a fat little kid," he said.

"He has since changed his body shape and we started him off as a midfielder but he's become a terrific defender. All credit must go to him and his family. He has worked terrifically hard and he has a great character."

Wells was terrific to finish with 31 possessions despite having to overcome an early knee injury and knock to the head and he was also delighted with the guys that stepped up to help get the win.

"Sammy (Power) was terrific, so were Scotty McMahon and the coach just told us to hang in with them as long as we can and we'd be a chance, which is the way it turned out," Wells told Fox Sports.

"He's (Simpson) our general, but Drew Petrie really stepped up with those marks in the last five or six minutes and he's one of our most valuable players now."

Wells made sure he didn't use any excuses to not play well and to help the Roos get over the line as well and he paid tribute to the Gold Coast, where the Kangaroos will no longer play any home games.

"It was one of those nights for me when I was in the wars a little, but I just had to keep chugging along because that's what the boys expect of you when you're at the Kangas. It was good to finish with a few touches and for the team to get a good win," he said.

"Gold Coast has been awesome for us so I'd like to thank the Gold Coast fans that came along and for the support they have given us."