The Tigers held a commanding 42-point half-time lead but managed just two second-half goals as the Roos stormed back to force a draw.
“Youth was probably a factor – once it got tight they didn’t want to be the ones who ran hard or tried to win the game for us because they were worried about making an error,” Rawlings said.
“I think they went out after half time thinking the game was going to be played the way it ended at half time. When a team challenges them they are still unable to hang tough enough for long enough to resist that surge.”
Richmond forward Mitch Morton salvaged a draw for the Tigers, goaling with 90 seconds remaining after David Hale had given North Melbourne the lead.
“I thought we were lucky to end up with a draw, I thought they (North Melbourne) dominated for most of the third and the last,” Rawlings said.
“I was really pleased they showed a desperation to fight it out and try to win (but) to be that far up and to come away with a draw you come away pretty hollow.
“To get in a position to win after three losses against some good opposition and you don’t – It’s the flattest I’ve seen the group after the game.
“They were good enough to take their chances. We had our moments to win the game, we just couldn’t take it.”
Rawlings has one win from his five matches in charge, and is prepared to bear some short-term pain for long-term gain.
“As long as we keep on this path and improving the group and make them understand what’s going to give them sustained success, that’s our main agenda,” he said.
The Tigers will continue to hunt their fourth win of the season against an Essendon side desperate to cement a position in the top eight next Sunday afternoon at the MCG.
