Reuben Ginbey is free to play in West Coast’s season opener after the match review officer decided he had no case to answer after in an incident with No.1 draftee Sam Lalor.

Ginbey was facing a nervous wait after he was involved in a play which left Lalor with a broken jaw and in concussion protocols from the Eagles’ match simulation against Richmond on Monday.

The defender pushed Lalor as they led up the ground, with Lalor colliding with Eagles defender Sandy Brock who was going back with the flight to mark the ball.

Lalor’s head collided with Brock’s hip and it resulted in Lalor going into concussion protocols and sustaining an undisplaced hairline fracture of his jaw which required surgery.

It has put the young Tiger in doubt for their round one clash against Carlton at the MCG on Thursday, March 13.

There were concerns that MRO Michael Christian would charge Ginbey with engaging in rough conduct for the incident.

Ginbey however, will be free to play for the Eagles when they take on Gold Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday, March 16 after he was cleared.

The first-round draftee has been one of the most impressive Eagles this pre-season as he looks to make a permanent move to defence, having spent time in the midfield during his first 40 games.

Essendon great Matthew Lloyd said Ginbey should come under scrutiny for the incident as the AFL world was split.

“Has to be looked at that incident from Ginbey on Lalor,” Lloyd wrote on X.

“Lalor in such a vulnerable position and the ball player needs to be protected. A form of tunneling [sic].”

West Coast are preparing to take on North Melbourne down in Bunbury in their final pre-season hitout.

They have a relatively healthy list, with Elliot Yeo (knee and ankle) the only player in their best 23 set to miss the clash against the Suns next month.