The AFL Goldfield independent tribunal threw out the charge, which also resulted in Garner being red carded and missing the last quarter of the Swans’ win over the Lions in the Ballarat Football League at Alfredton on Saturday.

The tribunal panel deliberated for only a few minutes at the end of Tuesday night’s hearing before announcing it had upheld Gardner’s not guilty plea.

Garner said his denial of the charge from the outset had been vindicated by the tribunal’s decision.

He said while relieved with the outcome, he was disappointed to have been charged.

Garner said he was appreciative of the evidence given by Sunbury’s Jack Landt, who the charge alleged was bitten.

Landt provided evidence via a telephone link-up.

Garner is now free to line up against Darley at Alfredton, with the Swans skipper set to play a key role in their bid for a third win on end.

BFL operations manager Shane Anwyl said no action was being taken over an incident which left Melton’s Braedan Kight on the ground at the end of the first quarter against Lake Wendouree, and having to be assisted from the ground holding his face.

He said AFL Goldfields match review panel had looked at the matter, but no vision was available and there have been no request from Melton to investigate the matter. Kight played out the game..