AFL Tribunal Upholds Three-Match Ban for Paul Curtis

The AFL Tribunal has upheld a three-match suspension for North Melbourne forward Paul Curtis for a dangerous tackle that left an opponent concussed, while the league continues to enforce strict penalties on clubs for repeated umpire contact.

Curtis was cited for rough conduct after his tackle on West Coast's Hamish Davis during a match on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The incident was graded as careless conduct with severe impact and high contact, resulting in Davis suffering a concussion and being unable to leave the field without assistance.

At a tribunal hearing on Tuesday, June 16, Curtis's legal counsel argued the impact should have been graded as low and that the momentum of the play was a significant factor. The defense contended Davis's arms were not fully pinned and that the West Coast player was able to put his hands out before hitting the ground.

The tribunal panel, chaired by Jeff Gleeson KC, rejected these arguments. In its verdict, the panel found Curtis had wrapped his arms around Davis, dropped and rotated him into the ground, and made no attempt to keep his feet, release an arm, or rotate the player onto himself. Gleeson stated the vision clearly showed Davis had both...