North Melbourne coach Brad Scott has hit back at criticism directed at his fullback Scott Thompson and his playing group, following Saturday's fiery clash with the Western Bulldogs.

Thompson was reported twice for his stoush with Bulldogs forward Barry Hall, for wrestling and headbutting, while Hall was also booked twice, for wrestling and engaging in rough conduct, after applying a headlock on the Roos' backman.

The match review panel will assess the second-quarter clash at Etihad Stadium on Monday.

Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade has been vocal in his defence of Hall, as he claimed the veteran was entitled to defend himself against Thompson's tactics and needed more protection from umpires.

Hall put Thompson in a headlock after he was knocked over by Thompson while tying his bootlaces.

Scott said Thompson was entitled to needle his opponent and was playing within the rules.

"Scott Thompson is a man of the highest integrity who plays the game with the hardness and passion that North Melbourne supporters should expect from all of their players," Scott said in a statement.

"There is no doubt he plays an antagonistic style of football but full-forwards are not supposed to enjoy playing on fullbacks, and I will not stand by and allow Scott's character to be assassinated because of the reaction of an opposition player."

Scott also rejected Eade's post-game comments intimating that North players took "cheap shots" at their Bulldogs opponents.

Scott initially refused to respond to Eade's remarks, but said on Monday that his opposing coach's comments were "categorically incorrect and disappointing from such an experienced coach".

"They strike at the heart and integrity of our playing group, they are factually incorrect and are without foundation," he said.

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