Tribunal challenge looms as Roo given hefty ban for controversial tackle
A Tribunal date is looming for North Melbourne’s Paul Curtis, after the goalsneak was given a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle on Port Adelaide’s Josh Sinn.
Curtis tackled Sinn from behind in the second quarter of the Kangaroos’ loss to the Power on Saturday, with Sinn shunted forward on impact with his head striking the ground.
The Power were awarded a free kick for a dangerous tackle, with Sinn quickly heading off and subbed out of the game after entering concussion protocols.
The incident was graded as careless conduct with high contact and severe impact owing to Sinn’s concussion by Match Review Officer Michael Christian, triggering a three-game ban.
However, the Kangaroos are seen as all but certain to take the suspension to the Tribunal, with precedent suggesting they have a strong case to overturn the ban.
Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield successfully challenged a suspension for a similar tackle on Carlton’s Sam Walsh last year, in which the Blue’s head was shunted forward into the turf, with the Cats captain arguing he did enough under his duty of care to try and prevent that from occurring.
Speaking on Fox Footy, Kangaroos great David King was adamant Curtis should have no case to answer, saying he had no other choice but to complete the tackle in this way.
“When you tackle from behind, you have to pin both arms,” he said.
“Bang! It’s over before it starts. I think he’ll take it to the Tribunal, and I think he’ll be cleared.”
Curtis has been a shining light in another difficult season for the Kangaroos, kicking 18 goals in seven games including three in the loss to the Power.
