Veteran defender Heath Grundy is free to face Essendon in next weekend's Elimination Final after being cleared by the Match Review Panel on Monday.

Contact between Grundy and Carlton's Levis Casboult from the first quarter of Saturday's clash at the SCG was assessed and subsequently thrown out.

The MRP said Grundy "braced" rather than initiate contact as Casboult tried to make space and provide a lead for a teammate further up the field.

"As Casboult changed direction, he looked to engage his opponent and the pair made contact, with Grundy bracing for the contact," the MRP said in its findings.

"Casboult went to ground but it was the view of the panel the Sydney player’s actions were not unreasonable in the circumstances. No further action was taken."