RooTube: David Hale Open Media
THE ACT of tunnelling, and more specifically preventing it, was in North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley's sights on Monday but two of his key forwards added nothing to the debate a day later.
Laidley revealed that one of his assistants had contacted the AFL umpiring department after re-watching the Roos' draw with the Sydney Swans in round six, highlighting the required protection of his players from being pushed under the ball or having their arms chopped in contests.
Nathan Thompson and David Hale combined for four of North's nine goals in that match; a low-scoring, controversial affair that also saw forward Aaron Edwards break his leg and the Swans fined for having an extra man on the field in the dying stages.
However, Thompson – hoping to play his 15th game of the season in Saturday night's elimination final – was happy to leave the tunnelling matter with the umpires.
"There was some very good pressure put on me last time by Leo Barry," he said. "It was a really good contest and I'm sure it will be the same this weekend, because I'd love to be in there and get a game and get another opportunity.
"But we'll just leave it up to the umpires this week. I think they've done a good job this year, so we've just got to go out there and worry about winning the ball against a very good outfit.
"It's going to be a tough game for the club and we're looking forward to the challenge."
And Hale, North's leading goalkicker this season, searched for the lighter side of the topic.
"I probably don't get high enough off the ground to get tunnelled," he said. "It's probably not an issue for me, but I don't think it's something we'll focus on.
"We'll just continue to go for our marks and whatever happens, happens. If the umpires think it's a free, they'll pay it. I don't think it's really an issue.
"I didn't really hear the interview [with Laidley], so I'm not sure what the whole fuss is about."
But Hale did send an endorsement of Thompson's potential inclusion for the match, saying that there was room in the side's forward line for all of its key position players to feature.
"When we played against the Bulldogs a few weeks ago, we had myself, Thommo and Corey Jones, and obviously Aaron Edwards played last week.
"I'm sure they'll come up with the right combination that they think can kick enough goals," he added, referring to the coaching staff.
"Whoever that is will do the role that they're required to."
Hale, who towers at 201cm, could create the biggest headache for Swans defenders, just as he did on the way to a career-high eight goals against minor premier Geelong in round 21.
"I'm kicking goals, taking a few grabs, so this year's been my most consistent year," he said.
"Hopefully that can continue for the finals series and we can win a few more games and not end on the sour note we did on the weekend."
