Lake in the clear for Dogs

The Western Bulldogs are breathing a sigh of relief after the match-day report against full-back Brian Lake was thrown out by the match review panel on Monday.

That ensures Lake's availability for Friday night's qualifying final against Hawthorn at the MCG - a huge boost for the Dogs who enter the finals having lost five of their past seven games.

And with centre-half-back Tom Williams to already miss the finals due to injury, the loss of Lake - a possible opponent for Hawthorn's century goalkicker Lance Franklin - would have put further pressure on the already weakened and height-challenged Bulldogs defence.

Lake was booked for making high contact to Adelaide's Scott Stevens but the panel deemed it was not a striking action but rather accidental high contact.

There was also good news for flag favourites Geelong with small forward Matthew Stokes cleared of striking West Coast's Chad Fletcher.

The panel ruled that Stokes had his eyes on the ball during the marking contest and made a legitimate attempt to spoil when he made contact with Fletcher.

Sydney pair Barry Hall and Amon Buchanan were also looked at but given the all-clear over incidents in the Swans' round 22 clash against Brisbane at the SCG.

But Sydney midfielder Jude Bolton was booked for engaging in rough conduct but he can escape with a reprimand and just 70.31 points towards his future record because of his previous clean record - ensuring his availability for Saturday night's home elimination final against the Kangaroos.

However Brisbane ruckman Jamie Charman and Carlton vice-captain Nick Stevens both face the prospect of delayed starts to the 2009 home and away season after being offered one match suspensions by the panel.

Charman was booked for striking Sydney's Brett Kirk while Stevens was booked for striking Hawthorn's Rick Ladson.

And Stevens was also fined for wrestling along with Hawthorn's Chance Bateman,
Richmond's Mitch Morton and Melbourne's Brad Miller.