North Melbourne forward Paul Curtis is set to face serious scrutiny from the AFL’s Match Review Officer following a dangerous tackle that left West Coast wingman Hamish Davis concussed.

Curtis pinned both arms in a tackle mid-way through the first term of the clash at Optus Stadium on Saturday, with Davis’ head hitting the turf with force.

The 20-year-old had to be assisted from the ground in the hands of medical staff and took no further part in the game. Curtis was suspended for three matches for a similar tackle last season.

Co-captain Liam Baker sent a scare through the Eagles camp, limping from the ground minutes later after he twisted his ankle but returned to the game shortly after.

Davis has played every game this season after eight in his first year at the club, which drafted him with pick No.65 in 2024. He will now enter concussion protocols but potentially won’t miss a game as West Coast have a bye next week.

It is yet another injury blow for the Eagles, who went into the game with several first-choice players missing after their six-point defeat to Port Adelaide last week.

Key defender Reuben Ginbey is sidelined for several weeks with a torn quad, while half-back Tom McCarthy (hamstring) and No.1 draftee Willem Duursma (calf) were also out of the side with injury.

West Coast also dropped small forward Malakai Champion, with mid-season draftee Marcus Herbert coming into the team to make his debut.

Elijah Hewett and Tom Gross were also recalled alongside first-round draftee Josh Lindsay to take on the Kangaroos who they beat in round two by 17 points.