The Power, who led at every change, were in front when Kangaroo Scott McMahon took a mark 60m out from goal with just minutes to play.
McMahon was too far out to score, but found himself well within kicking distance when Nathan Krakouer was penalised for pushing the utility in the chest after the marking contest.
McMahon slotted the goal from close range to snatch victory for North Melbourne.
Surjan said the players were gutted not to have won the game for retiring stalwarts Brendon Lade and Peter Burgoyne.
“We were very stiff. We thought that 50m penalty was really soft, but the umpires are going to make the call and that was their call,” Surjan said after the game.
“Peter and Ladey have been fantastic servants of our club and as a playing group we should have sent them off on a better note.”
Power midfielder Kane Cornes was reported for his comments to the umpires in regards to the incident after the game.
Coach Mark Williams opted not to comment on the decision and Peter Burgoyne denied Krakouer’s actions had cost the team the game.
“It was my last game, so it [the loss] was a hard one to swallow,” Burgoyne said.
“With two minutes to go I thought we were home, but it wasn’t meant to be. I don’t blame anyone for the loss. If anything, I blame myself because I missed a goal earlier.”
Burgoyne and Lade both praised North Melbourne and its coach Darren Crocker for forming a guard of honour at AAMI Stadium after the game.
Lade also spoke glowingly of his time at Port Adelaide and, in particular, his relationship with Williams.
“Who would have thought a kid growing up on Kangaroo Island could play AFL and play for such a proud and great club?” Lade said after the game.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Choco.”
“I can only compare our relationship to a father-son working relationship. We’re very close. He can say anything to me and I can basically say anything to him.”
