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‘Thug act': North Melbourne star reported after off the ball hit

‘Thug act': North Melbourne star reported after off the ball hit

News.com.aua day ago
North Melbourne's Paul Curtis could be set to spend the remainder of the season on the sidelines after being reported on Sunday.
The 22-year-old forward was put into the umpire's book at the end of the first quarter for striking St Kilda's Angus Hastie.
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As teammate Nick Larkey's shot after the siren sailed through for a goal, Curtis appeared to land a left jab to the neck/head region of Hastie.
'The fact it's behind the play – these things are usually graded as intentional,' Fox Sports' David Zita said on the coverage.
Watch the incident in the video player above
'So that will already lower the threshold for what the impact has to be for this to be a one-match ban.
'We know the AFL doesn't like this – behind the ball shots at other player.'
Geelong legend Tom Hawkins said a one-week ban would 'seem about right'.
'It doesn't bode well for him. I've been in that situation and it's likely that there's something coming his way,' Hawkins told Fox Footy.
It could ultimately be the second time this season Curtis has copped a suspension after he was handed a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle in April.
The North star fought to have the eyebrow raising ban overturn but it was upheld by the AFL Tribunal.
But as Zita pointed out on Sunday: 'This one is purely of his own doing. He's put himself on the MRO's radar.'
Fans watching on were quick to call for Curtis to cop a lengthy ban over the incident.
One wrote on X: 'Absolute thug act. The game has no place for it. Enjoy your break.'
A second added: 'Off the ball, intent to hurt. 3 weeks minimum.'
A third posted: 'Enjoy the early end of season holiday Curtis.'
While Curtis will face a nervous wait, the Saints endured one on Sunday as North threatened to steal the win away.
In a game that essentially meant nothing other than a cherished victory for two success-starved fan bases, the game seesawed before the Saints gained control and survived a late scare to record the 11.12 (78) to 10.9 (69) victory.
In a stark contrast to last week, the Saints all but stopped in the final term with the Roos getting within three points with 1:36 remaining.
St Kilda held on just, kicking its only goal of the last term courtesy of a 50-metre penalty after the siren.
Earlier on, the Saints had the opening goal through Max Heath in no time, but North Melbourne were able to get on top for the remainder of the opening term through superior midfield strength.
Three consecutive goals gave the Roos an early buffer before the Saints found their feet and seized control as North's pressure fell away.
They followed that Roos' run with four goals in a row to lead by a point at the main break after trailing by as much as 19 points early in the second quarter.
The Roos came out better in the second half with two quick goals - including a third goal to Nick Larkey – to regain the lead.
Both sides had their surges, but the Saints were able to get out to a 21-point at the last break after a six-goal quarter.
The Roos nearly pinched it in a frantic final term, but fell just short.
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