MELBOURNE spearhead Jesse Hogan was scrutinised for staging in the wake of an incident with St Kilda's Jake Carlisle on Sunday, but escaped sanction after a lengthy deliberation by Match Review Officer Michael Christian. 

Hogan went to ground during the third quarter of Melbourne's 39-point win at Etihad Stadium after Carlisle pushed him in the goalsquare following a Melbourne behind.

The Demon received a free kick from umpire Shane McInerney, who was just five metres away at the time, but missed the shot from almost point-blank range.

On the broadcaster's initial vision, it appeared there was a delay between Carlisle's push and Hogan falling to the ground. 

However, in making his decision, Christian also had access to behind-the-goal vision, which showed Carlisle hitting Hogan with an open hand to the throat and the Demon falling down almost immediately.

Mahoney said Hogan was unfairly treated.

"I think the reaction's been excessive," Mahoney said.  

"You can consider the vision that was made available, you can understand, maybe, people's reactions. But I think in light of the vision that's come out more recently, people can say that they probably hung Jesse out to dry over the last 24 hours.

"There was certainly something in the incident."