The skilful forward appeared to have strained his right hamstring during the third quarter of the match at Patersons Stadium, but came back on to the ground after receiving treatment.

 

He came from the ground a few minutes later seemingly at Scott’s request and signalled to the medical staff that his night was over before being subbed out of the game.

 

Scott said he was confident Thomas had not suffered any muscle damage but he didn’t want to risk a player who kicked 53 goals last season.

 

"He just cramped in his hamstring, so I was a little [hesitant] … we have got, we think the best medical, physio team in the country, but when they put him back on, I was a bit disappointed because he's an important player to us," Scott said.

 

"We didn't want to risk him. But they’re so confident in their ability that they thought he was fine.

 

"I never overrule a medical decision if it's to say he can’t come back on, but I can overrule [a decision] to put him back on, so I did. But we think he will be all right next week."

Scott said Thomas had received a knock to the back before his hamstring cramped.

 

North Melbourne plays Richmond at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.