North Melbourne defender Charlie Comben has no case to answer for striking West Coast star Harley Reid

North Melbourne’s Charlie Comben has been cleared following his hit on Harley Reid that sparked a heated three-quarter time scuffle, with the finger instead pointed at the star Eagle for “abruptly changing his direction”.

As Reid made his way to celebrate Elliot Yeo’s goal after the three-quarter time siren, he made to bump into Comben, who had already given away a high-contact free kick.

Instead, the defender got in first, laying his hands into the midfielder’s throat and chin.

Reid dropped to the ground as his teammates piled in to remonstrate. Even players from both benches got involved before the teams parted for the break.

But the AFL’s Match Review Officer on Monday dismissed the match-day report, saying Comben’s actions did not “constitute a strike” as he was protecting himself from Reid.

“Comben is standing the mark as Elliot Yeo has a shot at goal,” the explanation read.

“Yeo kicks the goal after the three-quarter time siren, and Reid initially runs toward Yeo before abruptly changing his direction and turning toward Comben.

“Comben, in a stationary position, moves his arms up at body height to protect himself from the oncoming Reid. As Reid approaches with speed, Reid lowers his body and high contact is made to Reid.

“It was the view of the MRO that Comben’s actions did not constitute a strike. No further action was taken.”

Reid showed no ill effects from the blow, producing a strong final term to help West Coast record their first victory since May last year.

Speaking after the game, the Eagles midfielder said he had been surprised by the hit.

“I didn’t expect that... I was a bit frustrated,” Reid said on Fox.

“I was just trying to get over to Yeoy after he kicked that amazing goal and just copped one straight to the chin.

“I just thought ‘dog eat dog’ out there. He went for his head, so a bit ‘dog’. But ah well, we move on.”

West Coast’s drought-breaking 17-point triumph was a spicy and spiteful affair from the start, with a number of big tackles and provocative skirmishes.

Reid was at the centre of almost all of them as he produced a career-best 30 disposals in the victory.

Former West Coast premiership midfielder Andrew Embley said he was happy to see the incident not attract fines or suspension.

“I was looking at it closely calling for TripleM, and I didn’t think there was probably a great deal in it,” he told The West Australian.

“Harley’s a tough bugger and I’m sure he’s copped a lot worse. To be honest, I’m happy that was let go.”