Hydraulic filter and bypass screen

Hi everyone. I am once again returning to the well of knowledge to ask a quick question somewhat related to my last post about my tractor that got water in it. The tractor is an IH 674 gas motor and after I got all the water out of the oil I turned my focus to the transmission and hydraulics. The dipstick looked good, looked a little low but clear. Then when I opened the fill on the back I noticed inside the hole about 2 inches down I could see where it looked like some of the "splashing" fluid was a little milky. So I drained it and it all looked pretty good. I'm not too worried about that but I noticed as I pulled the filter off that the bypass screen has a small tear in it. This is the first time I've check it since owning the tractor because the guy I bought it from is a friend and he switched out fluids not long before I got it. The screen had no debris in it so I assume there's nothing too bad floating around in the case so my question is how concerned should I be about the tear? I assume the screen is there to catch anything large before it could enter the filter but I could be wrong. I wouldn't mind replacing it normally but the dealer wants a little over $100 bucks for a replacement and I'd rather not spend it on that if I don't have to. Any advice on the matter would be much appreciated.

Are you asking about the suction strainer in the tank, pleated fine mesh wire filter?

If so that is to protect the pump and all other components of the system, the first line of defense, and very important! If it's a screw on filter, you might find it online or at a hydraulic supply for a better price.

The screen I'm referring to is in the filter housing which is on the left side of the tractor straight behind the step. Its mounted on the outside of the MCV. The manual calls the part the screen is attached to a bypass valve. Like I said before, it wasn't dirty, just a small tear. I was just trying to figure out whether this screen protects the filter from large debris or if it catches contaminants that may "bypass" the filter. Thanks.