North Melbourne coach Brad Scott might not have been sideline but he didn't miss his team's 70-point thrashing of Richmond in Hobart.
Forced to abandon plans to travel to Bellerive Oval for Friday night's clash due to a virus which put him in a Melbourne hospital, Scott tuned in by television, replacement Darren Crocker said.
"Apparently he sat up and watched the game from his bed.
"He's feeling a lot better. Obviously after that win he's feeling a hell of a lot better."
Crocker didn't speak to Scott personally during the game, but confirmed there was contact with another member of team management.
Scott felt unwell and turned back on his way to the airport on Thursday, later finding himself in hospital.
Assessed by the club doctor, the 40-year-old has a viral illness and there has been no further information about his symptoms.
He has been since been released from hospital but there is no indication when he will return to the top job.
Earlier on Friday North Melbourne chairman James Brayshaw said the club is concerned for Scott.
"He's such a brutal competitor, Scotty, for him not to be here it must be something that needs to be taken very seriously," Brayshaw told reporters in Hobart.
