Just when Geelong needed some of that old fashioned guts and determination from last week, it found the tank was running on empty.
It consigned the Cats to a one-three win-loss record and staring at a finals-free season.
The Kardinia Park fortress has been well and truly breached with North Melbourne enjoying its first win since the famous fourth round of 2007 when Paul Chapman drew his line the sand.
Geelong tried but just could not catch the Kangaroos who hopped away with ease after a tough fight through the middle two quarters.
Coach Chris Scott could only shake his head in disappointment as his charges made a late surge that still had trouble breaking the North Melbourne shackles.
Geelong is still anchored to 16th on the ladder, something fans may have to get used to after a glorious three-flag run.
Scott will continue to insist that something positive can still emerge from the season but the signs are all pointing in the wrong direction.
