ST KILDA has received a slight reprieve after its embarrassing loss to North Melbourne on Good Friday, with young key forward Paddy McCartin cleared for rough conduct on North Melbourne tough nut Trent Dumont.

The incident happened on the wing midway through the third quarter, when the Saint flew for a mark and Dumont was coming back with the flight.

McCartin braced for contact and his right knee collided with the Roo's lower back with the umpire reporting the former No.1 pick.

Match review officer Michael Christian found it was reasonable for McCartin to contest the football and as he jumped, the forward realised contact couldn't be avoided, so he turned to protect himself.

While Dumont went to ground, he stood up and was able to take his kick.

Christian believed a free kick and 50-metre penalty would have been the appropriate decision.