A first-quarter melee during Saturday’s fiery clash saw North Melbourne and Brisbane players $15,000 out of pocket, but Scott Thompson says the risk of a fine is the last thing on minds when a team-mate is in trouble.

“If you see your players wrestling and especially against a bigger player you have to go in and help them every time, every day of the week,” Thompson told the team on Fox Footy’s AFL 360.

PRESS PLAY above to watch the melee | YouTube

11 players were sanctioned for their involvement in the fracas, which escalated after a late hit from Lions’ captain Jonathan Brown on young defender Cam Delaney.

Delaney’s brother Luke came to his aid, pulling Brown to the ground, and was charged with instigating the melee.

“If you don’t go help, your team-mates don’t think you’ve got their backs. I think you’re better off going to help," Thompson added.