North Melbourne advises Brad Scott will not take his place in the coaches box tonight after he was hospitalised with a viral illness on Thursday evening.

“Brad was not feeling well on his way to the airport yesterday and was forced to return home,” Director of Football Geoff Walsh said.

“His condition worsened in the evening and he was attended to by the club doctor before being admitted to hospital for treatment and observation.”

Scott stayed in hospital overnight and was not able to travel this morning.

“Darren Crocker will stand in as caretaker coach for the game against Richmond,” Walsh added.