Referring to the technique of dropping at the knees that players use to draw free kicks for high tackles, Eade said the existing rules would increasingly be exploited if left unchecked.
"It's heading that way. I think if it continues like it is, and they're still being paid teams, clubs, coaches, players will really draw more on it, there's no doubt," Eade said on Fox Footy's AFL 360 on Monday night.
But Eade stressed he does not feel it is necessary to change the rules just yet.
West Coast players drew criticism for their propensity to drop their knees and initiate high contact against North Melbourne on Friday night.
In particular, the critical free kick paid against Leigh Adams to Adam Selwood, which led to Nic Naitanui's match-winning mark and goal, drew the ire of fans.
Just last year, North Melbourne coach Brad Scott questioned the Eagles players' ability to draw high free kicks so regularly.
"We spoke about the technique and I would not like our players to get a reputation for doing that," Scott said after the Roos' 25-point loss to West Coast in round six.
"The umpires call it as they see it. There is a specific technique that is employed and there is a specific technique to counter that."
Eade said he did not have a problem with Joel Selwood's technique of shrugging his shoulders to try to bust through the tackle.
But the Pies assistant said the dropping of the knees and falling forward when tackled, to draw an 'in the back' free kick, needed to be looked at closely.
Eagle Luke Shuey received a free kick after appearing to employ that exact technique late in Friday night's game against the Kangaroos.
Eade was sympathetic to the umpires' situation, given the changes to the rules and interpretations around tackling in recent seasons.
"The only thing I'll say about the umpiring is that it's really difficult and I think we're making it more difficult for them, in that we're getting very technical," he said.
Essendon assistant coach Mark Thompson said the players' and clubs' rationale was simple.
"Players will adapt to the rules to gain an advantage," he said.
Ben Guthrie is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie
