Essendon midfielder Heath Hocking has been cleared of bumping or making forceful contact from front on against Ben Lennon.

Hocking was reported for contact made during the fourth quarter of Saturday night’s win against Richmond.

The ball is loose and Lennon is attempting to take possession. Hocking approaches the loose ball and attempts to gain possession. It was the view of the panel that Hocking was contesting the ball and had no realistic alternative way to contest the ball.