NORTH Melbourne defender Scott Thompson's controversial non-mark late in Saturday night's loss to Brisbane came while he was nursing a ruptured testicle. 

Thompson's heroics instead turned to heartbreak when the umpire incorrectly awarded a free kick with barely a minute to go to Lion Oscar McInerney, whose subsequent goal broke the clubs' deadlock. 

The 33-year-old sustained the injury in the third quarter, when an opponent's heel accidentally made contact to his groin, and spent about 10 minutes off the ground. 

Thompson played through the pain then underwent a minor medical procedure at Epworth Hospital on returning to Melbourne on Sunday afternoon. 

He will have to prove his fitness before playing against West Coast at Optus Stadium on Saturday.

"It was a pretty quick procedure and he was discharged last night," outgoing Kangaroos football boss Cameron Joyce said. 

"He's been back at the club this morning and is hoping to play this week. We'll give him until the last minute to show he's able to play."