NORTH Melbourne skipper Andrew Swallow has been concussed in the first quarter after being tackled by Geelong forward Lincoln McCarthy at Etihad Stadium.

Swallow's head hit the ground and he did not move as trainers headed towards him.

The 29-year-old was able to walk off the ground but he was unsteady and dazed.

The umpire did not pay a free kick against McCarthy, who wrapped Swallow up in the tackle and took him to ground.

The captain did not take any further part in the game with the Match Review Panel likely to scrutinise the tackle because of the concussion. 

Lincoln McCarthy tackles Andrew Swallow at Etihad Stadium. Picture: Michael Willson, AFL Media