Tigers' backmen Alex Rance and Troy Chaplin were the subject of media scrutiny due to the way in which they played against North forwards Drew Petrie and Ben Brown in last Friday night's clash between the two sides at Etihad Stadium. It was suggested that the Tigers had deliberately pushed their opponents under the ball during a number of contests, leaving the Roos vulnerable to injury.

However Thompson came out in support of the Tigers defenders ahead of Sunday's elimination final this week, with positional ties seemingly just as strong as the intraclub bond.

"I haven't really seen too much of it. I heard about it. As a defender, I can't really say anything. I probably do it myself," Thompson said before the Roos' training session at Arden Street on Thursday afternoon.

"So our forwards have obviously seen it and they'll work through it. If they try it again, I'm sure Drew Petrie and Ben Brown have something to combat it.

"I don't think it's tunnelling if you get your hands on the ball, it's just body work.

"It's AFL, so you want a physical contest. If they're still going for the ball I don't see anything wrong with it."

Thompson, 29, will return to the North team for the MCG clash after last week's controversial decision which led to he and eight teammates coming out of the side for the round 23 encounter.

The experienced backman said he didn't want to miss that match, but understood the situation.

"I hate missing games [but] I do what's best for the club. We're here to win finals and to win a premiership."

Two of Richmond's major goalkicking options - Dustin Martin and Jack Riewoldt - were both named in the All-Australian squad of 40 during the week. While Thompson wouldn't disclose the pair's likely opponents, he underscored the threat posed by both, particularly dual Coleman Medallist Riewoldt, who Thompson has often manned.

"Riewoldt's always a great player, and [if] you give him a couple of minutes, he can kick two on you straight away."

Thompson said the Roos had four to five players who could rotate through Martin.

"He's a great player, he's really good one-on-one, he's really strong."

Despite the veteran midfielder not playing in the AFL since round two, there has been some speculation that Daniel Wells could make a surprise return as North's substitute.

Wells, who injured his calf in the VFL a fortnight ago which stifled his comeback from an Achilles injury, had a light kick away from the main group at training.

Thompson said he'd be keen to see the West Australian named.

"There's been a bit of talk that he could be sub. I'd love him as sub because he's a genius, he's a great player. So if he's fit, it's a good option the coaches will have for selection."

The Roos have won five of their last six matches against Richmond, and and while Thompson acknowledged that as a positive, he was measured when assessing how much benefit it provided.

"It shows that our style has been working against them."

"I don't think we've got an edge over them."