North Melbourne defender Charlie Comben will be free to face Essendon in Round 3 after his matchday report for striking West Coast's Harley Reid was thrown out.

Comben was reported during Sunday's match at Optus Stadium after standing the mark for a goal kicked by Eagle Elliot Yeo after the three-quarter time siren.

In assessing the report, the AFL's match review officer (MRO) ruled that, after Yeo kicked the goal, Reid initially ran towards Yeo before abruptly changing direction and running towards Comben.

The MRO's view was that Comben moved his arms to protect himself from the oncoming Reid, and that Comben's actions did not constitute a strike. 

No further action was taken, leaving the Kangaroo defender free to take on the Bombers in Saturday night's match at Marvel Stadium.