North Melbourne forward Paul Curtis has failed to overturn a three-match suspension for rough conduct at the AFL tribunal.
Curtis was offered the ban after his tackle last Saturday left West Coast's Hamish Davis with concussion.
The action was deemed careless conduct, severe impact and high contact.
Curtis, who did not give evidence at Tuesday's tribunal hearing, argued through his counsel Justin Graham KC against both the "rough conduct" charge and "severe impact" grading.
Graham said a "low impact" grading was more appropriate, while claiming ball carrier Davis's momentum was a significant factor in the incident.
He added there was no double action in the tackle and that the force went first through Davis's knees and hands before he hit his head.
