Hawthorn captain Sam Mitchell has escaped punishment after being reported during the Hawks' victory over Geelong in the AFL grand final on Saturday.

Mitchell had been booked for making forceful front-on contact with Geelong's Gary Ablett in the second quarter of the game at the MCG.

However the league's match review panel agreed Mitchell's bump was caused by circumstances outside his control.

The league said Mitchell was pushed by Geelong's Cameron Ling into the contact with Ablett.

"On the viewing of further vision that was made available today, Mitchell tried to reduce the impact by attempting to slow down before contact was made," the panel said.

"Mitchell did not turn side-on to bump Ablett.

"It was the view of the panel that the bulk of the contact was between Mitchell's ribs and Ablett's right shoulder.

"There was some contact between Mitchell's forearm and Ablett's head but that was seen as self-protection by Mitchell by the panel. No further action was taken."

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