Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Paul Curtis is set to come under AFL Match Review Officer scrutiny after a dangerous tackle left West Coast youngster Hamish Davis concussed during the Eagles’ clash with North Melbourne at Optus Stadium on Saturday. The incident occurred midway through the first quarter and added to West Coast’s growing injury concerns in a season already heavily impacted by player absences.
Davis was forced from the field after his head struck the turf heavily during a Curtis tackle, with medical staff immediately attending to the 20 year old.
The Eagles wingman did not return to the match and entered the AFL’s concussion protocols.
Curtis tackle under review
The incident occurred when North Melbourne forward Paul Curtis pinned both of Davis’ arms in a tackle.
Unable to protect himself as he fell, Davis hit the ground with significant force and remained down before receiving treatment from medical staff.
The young Eagle was assisted from the field and took no further part in the game.
The tackle is likely to attract close attention from the AFL Match Review Officer, particularly given Curtis’ disciplinary history.
Curtis was suspended for three matches last season following a similar dangerous tackle.
The AFL has placed increasing emphasis on player safety and concussion prevention, with tackles that pin a player’s arms and result in head contact often attracting significant penalties.
Davis enters concussion protocols
The injury is another setback for Davis, who has established himself as a regular senior player this season.
The former pick No. 65 in the 2024 AFL Draft has played every game this year after featuring in eight matches during his debut season.
Under AFL concussion guidelines, Davis will now enter mandatory protocols.
There is some positive news for West Coast, however, with the club scheduled to have a bye next week. The break could allow Davis additional recovery time and potentially reduce the number of matches missed.
Baker avoids serious injury scare
West Coast also endured another nervous moment shortly after the Davis incident.
Co-captain Liam Baker limped from the field after appearing to twist his ankle.
The injury initially raised concerns among Eagles supporters given the club’s lengthy injury list.
Fortunately for West Coast, Baker was able to return to the contest after receiving treatment and played out the remainder of the game.
Injury list continues to grow
The Eagles entered Saturday’s clash already dealing with several significant injuries.
Key defender Reuben Ginbey remains sidelined with a torn quad muscle and is expected to miss multiple weeks.
Half back Tom McCarthy was unavailable because of a hamstring injury, while highly rated No. 1 draft selection Willem Duursma was ruled out with a calf complaint.
The absences forced further changes to the West Coast lineup as the club searched for solutions.
Opportunities for young Eagles
With injuries continuing to impact selection, several younger players were handed opportunities against North Melbourne.
Mid season recruit Marcus Herbert made his AFL debut after small forward Malakai Champion was omitted.
Elijah Hewett and Tom Gross were recalled, while first round draft pick Josh Lindsay also earned selection.
The Eagles hoped the fresh faces could help replicate their round two victory over North Melbourne earlier in the season, when they defeated the Kangaroos by 17 points.
Focus shifts to AFL review
While West Coast will assess Davis’ recovery in the coming days, attention is likely to focus on the AFL’s review of the Curtis tackle.
Given the concussion suffered by Davis and Curtis’ previous suspension for a similar incident, the Match Review Officer’s findings will be closely watched across the league.
The outcome could have implications for North Melbourne’s upcoming fixtures while further highlighting the AFL’s continued efforts to reduce dangerous tackles and head injuries.
