The incident, which occurred in the the first quarter of Saturday's game was assessed on Monday, but no further action was taken and Pratt is now clear to play against Brisbane.
The following is an excerpt from the Match Review Panel's media release:
Contact between North Melbourne’s Daniel Pratt and Melbourne’s Michael Newton from the first quarter of Saturday’s match was assessed. Newton has marked the ball when he is met by Daniel Pratt. After the pair make contact, Pratt strikes Newton with an open hand. The panel received a medical report on player Newton which stated he had not been treated for any injury. The panel also spoke to the controlling umpire, who paid a 50-metre penalty at the time for high contact, but did not believe a report was warranted.
It was the view of the panel, in all circumstances, that the force used was below that required to constitute a reportable offence. No further action was taken.
