Bailey Dale celebrates a goal with teammates during the match between the Sydney Swans and the Western Bulldogs at Sydney Cricket Ground. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images via AFL Photos

The AFL’s Match Review Officer has overturned a match-day report against Western Bulldogs forward Bailey Dale, clearing him to play against North Melbourne next week. 

Dale was reported for making contact with Sydney’s Robbie Fox during the third quarter of Thursday night’s Round 4 match at the SCG.

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In the clear, Dale's striking report overturned

Watch the incident that saw Bailey Dale reported for striking in Thursday night's match against the Sydney Swans, and subsequently overturned by the Match Review Officer. Dale will be clear to play North Melbourne next week.

In a statement released by the AFL, it was found that Dale’s action was considered insufficient force. 

“James Rowbottom kicks the ball forward for Sydney in the direction of Fox.  While Fox is marking the ball, Dale attempts to spoil the ball from behind and in the process makes contact to the back of Fox’s shoulder,” the statement read.

“It was the view of the MRO that whilst a careless action, there was insufficient force to constitute a reportable offence.  No further action was taken.”

Dale collected 15 disposals (nine contested), kicked a goal and took four marks in the Dogs’ comfortable 28-point win over the Swans.