Tribunal Ruling: Paul Curtis Suspended for Three Matches
North Melbourne forward Paul Curtis has been suspended for three matches after the AFL Tribunal upheld a rough conduct charge for a tackle that caused concussion to West Coast's Hamish Davis.
Incident Details
The tackle occurred during the round 14 match on June 13, 2026. The Tribunal deemed the action careless conduct, severe impact, and high contact.
Arguments
Curtis's counsel, Justin Graham KC, argued for a "low impact" grading, stating that Davis's momentum contributed to the fall, there was no double action in the tackle, and Curtis landed to the side rather than on Davis's back. He noted that no West Coast players remonstrated and no free kick was awarded.
AFL lawyer Sam Bird countered that Davis could not use his arms to break the fall, and that Curtis dropped and rotated Davis into the ground without attempting to keep his feet or release an arm.
"Curtis wrapped his arms around Davis's arms and dropped and rotated him into the ground without attempting to keep his feet or release an arm." — Tribunal chair Jeff Gleeson KC
Verdict
Tribunal chair Jeff Gleeson KC stated that the tackle was dangerous, as Curtis wrapped his arms around Davis's arms and dropped and rotated him into the ground without attempting to keep his feet or release an arm. The panel found that Davis had both feet on the ground when handballing, and Curtis's technique caused him to go to ground.
Consequences
Curtis will miss matches against Richmond, Essendon, and Port Adelaide.
This is Curtis's second unsuccessful Tribunal appeal; in 2025 he contested a three-match suspension for a tackle on Port Adelaide's Josh Sinn.
Related
Gold Coast's Daniel Rioli faces a challenge for umpire contact, with the club potentially facing a $50,000 fine if the charge is upheld, as it would be their fifth such penalty this season.