DEFENDER Ben Stratton has been cleared by the AFL’s Match Review Panel, after being reported in the Hawks’ Easter Monday loss to Geelong.

Stratton was reported for striking Geelong’s Cory Gregson in the third quarter.

However, the MRP said Stratton’s attempt to spoil in the marking contest was legitimate. 

Stratton made high contact – and a free kick was awarded – but the panel decided Stratton’s actions were not unreasonable, and no charge has been laid.

Geelong’s Mitch Duncan was also found to have no case to answer, after he was reported for a similar incident involving Luke Hodge in the final quarter.

The umpire believed there was head-high contact in the marking contest, but the review by the umpire and MRP found there was no forceful high contact.