Paul Curtis (footballer)
{{Short description|Australian rules footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use Australian English|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox AFL biography
| name = Paul Curtis
| image = Paul_Curtis.jpg
| caption =
| fullname =
| nickname =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2003|03|03|df =y}}
| birth_place =
| originalteam = Western Jets
| draftpick = No. 35, 2021 national draft
| debutdate = 24 April 2022
| debutteam = {{AFL NM}}
| debutopponent = {{AFL Gee}}
| debutstadium = Blundstone Arena
| height = 185cm
| weight = 75kg
| position = Forward
| currentclub = {{AFL NM}}
| guernsey = 25
| years1 = 2022–
| club1 = {{AFL NM}}
| games_goals1 = 66 (77)
| statsend = round 7, 2025
| careerhighlights =
}}
Paul Curtis is an Australian rules footballer who plays for North Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Early life
Curtis was raised in Melton, Victoria, to a mother from Tonga (representing the country in netball at the Commonwealth Games) and an Australian father.[https://www.nmfc.com.au/news/1033678/5-things-to-know-about-paul-curtis Five things to know about Paul Curtis] by Mitchell Jones for North Media 23 April 2022 Curtis attended Maribyrnong College as part of their selective sports academy. He began playing for Melton South Junior Football Club before going on to play for the Western Jets in the NAB League as a small forward where he stood out catching the interest of recruiters from multiple AFL clubs.{{cite web |title=North Melbourne Kangaroos select Paul Curtis with No.35 draft pick |url=https://www.nmfc.com.au/news/1033598/north-melbourne-kangaroos-select-paul-curtis-with-no35-draft-pick |website=nmfc.com.au |access-date=1 May 2022 |language=en}} However prior to the draft, Curtis contracted COVID-19, resulting in his planned interviews with several clubs being placed on hold. He was drafted by North Melbourne Football Club with 35th selection in the 2021 National Draft.
AFL career
Curtis made his debut for North Melbourne in their 60-point loss to {{AFL Gee}} in Round 6, 2022. He had 11 disposals and kicked his first goal in the last quarter.{{cite news |title=Cameron boots seven, Cats smash Kangaroos |url=https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/33796169/afl-geelong-cats-rebound-thrash-north-melbourne-kangaroos-hobart |access-date=1 May 2022 |work=ESPN.com |agency=AAP |date=24 April 2022 |language=en}} In Round 18, 2022, Curtis kicked a career-high 3 goals and had 14 disposals in an upset win against the Tigers at Marvel Stadium.
Statistics
: Statistics are correct to end of 2024{{cite web|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/P/Paul_Curtis.html|title=AFL Tables - Paul Curtis statistics|website=AFL Tables}}
{{AFL player statistics legend}}
{{AFL player statistics start}}
|-
| 2022 || {{AFL NM}} || 25
| 15 || 12 || 8 || 94 || 50 || 144 || 55 || 43 || 0.8 || 0.5 || 6.2 || 3.3 || 9.6 || 3.6 || 2.8
|-
| 2023 || {{AFL NM}} || 25
| 21 || 17 || 14 || 124 || 75 || 199 || 54 || 49 || 0.8 || 0.7 || 5.9 || 3.6 || 9.5 || 2.6 || 2.3
|-
| 2024 || {{AFL NM}} || 25
| 23 || 30 || 21 || 157 || 103 || 260 || 82 || 68 || 1.3 || 0.9 || 6.8 || 4.5 || 11.3 || 3.6 || 3.0
|- class="sortbottom"
! colspan=3| Career
! 59 !! 59 !! 43 !! 375 !! 228 !! 603 !! 191 !! 160 !! 1.0 !! 0.7 !! 6.4 !! 3.9 !! 10.2 !! 3.2 !! 2.7
|}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{NMplayer}}
- {{AustralianFootball}}
- {{AFL Tables}}
{{North Melbourne player squad}}
{{2021 AFL national draft}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Curtis, Paul}}
Category:North Melbourne Football Club players
Category:Australian rules footballers from Victoria (state)
Category:Australian sportspeople of Tongan descent
Category:People from Melton, Victoria