Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Paul Curtis suspension has been upheld by the Australian Football League tribunal, with the North Melbourne forward to miss three matches after his tackle left West Coast Eagles player Hamish Davis concussed.

Curtis was charged with rough conduct over the first-quarter incident last Saturday, which was graded as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact.

The decision follows another major Australian Football League story, South Australia Secures AFL Gather Round Until 2029 in Major Tourism and Economic Win, as league rulings remain under heavy club scrutiny. Fans can follow official updates through the Australian Football League website.

North Melbourne Challenge Falls Short

Curtis did not give evidence at Tuesday’s hearing, but his counsel Justin Graham KC challenged the rough conduct charge and the severe impact grading.

North Melbourne argued Hamish Davis had some arm movement and that his momentum contributed to the tackle, but the tribunal rejected that case.

AFL lawyer Sam Bird argued Davis could not meaningfully use his hands to soften the impact.

Tribunal chair Jeff Gleeson KC said Curtis wrapped Davis’s arms, dropped and rotated him into the ground.

"Curtis made no apparent attempt to keep his feet, to release either of Davis's arms or to rotate Davis onto himself.

"It was submitted on behalf of Curtis that it was the momentum of the tackle that caused the players to go to ground. We disagree.

"The vision shows that Davis had both feet on the ground when he handballed, and it was the technique of Curtis that result in him being brought to ground."

Simpkin Frustrated by Decision

North Melbourne star Jy Simpkin later posted his frustration on Instagram.

"The AFL needs to get it together, the constant rule changes and the MRO is laughable," Simpkin wrote.

"Players don't know what they can and can't do anymore. Just hope for the best each week."

Curtis will miss North Melbourne’s matches against Richmond, Essendon and Port Adelaide.

Gold Coast Suns will also learn whether Daniel Rioli’s umpire contact fine stands, with the club at risk of an Australian Football League sanction of up to $50,000 if the charge is upheld.