West Coast Eagles coach Andrew McQualter ‘surprised’ Charlie Comben not sanctioned for hit on Harley Reid

West Coast coach Andrew McQualter says he hopes his players are given the same treatment as Charlie Comben by the Match Review Officer after admitting he was “surprised” the North Melbourne defender wasn’t sanctioned for his high hit on Harley Reid.

As Reid made his way to celebrate Elliot Yeo’s goal after the three-quarter-time siren in Sunday’s drought-breaking win over the Kangaroos at Optus Stadium, he made to bump into Comben, who had already given away a high-contact free kick.

Instead, the defender got in first, laying both of his hands into the midfielder’s throat and chin.

Reid dropped to the ground as his teammates piled in to remonstrate.

However, the AFL’s Match Review Officer on Monday dismissed the match-day report, saying Comben’s actions did not “constitute a strike” as he was protecting himself from Reid, a result that surprised McQualter.

“I was surprised with the outcome,” he told 7NEWS.

“We’re just looking for consistency now in case that happens in the future.

“The MRO has a job to do, but all you’re looking for in these things is consistency, and I’m a little bit surprised with the outcome from the weekend. But as long as our guys get the same treatment, it’ll be OK.”

Reid felt no ill effects from the blow as he went on to claim full coaches’ votes with his first career 30-disposal game.

The return of co-captain Liam Baker was also pivotal to the Eagles claiming victory for the first time in 308 days but he gave fans a scare in the final minutes as a North Melbourne player fell across his ankle while attempting a smother.

But McQualter said the former Tiger was likely to be available to face Port Adelaide on Sunday.

“Bakes looks like he’s pulled up OK and we’re pretty confident for next week, which is terrific,” he said.

The news was not as good for key defender Harry Edwards, who sustained a second concussion in as many outings.

“We expect Harry’s going to miss a little bit of football now. We don’t have an update at this stage, but we’ll work through the protocols with our medical team,” McQualter said.

West Coast flashed their growing maturity on Sunday after losing Edwards in the opening term and found themselves five goals behind at the first break.

But McQualter revealed it was a simple message that turned the tide at quarter-time.

“After quarter-time I was really pleased with the way the guys played and to get the result on the scoreboard just fuels a bit of belief for us,” he said.

“We just spoke about being a little bit calmer with the ball. I think we had five really unforced errors on turnover, which handed North Melbourne goals.

“But apart from that, the game wasn’t looking too bad. After that, we tidied up and got the game on our terms.”