After Carlton recorded its first win of the season against Fremantle on Sunday, the Blues’ Ed Curnow says there’s “a burning desire to succeed and improve” at the Club.

This want and will was clearly displayed on the weekend, with the Blues showing fight, grit and determination in a “scrappy” affair at Domain Stadium.

There’s no doubt touching down in Melbourne at 3am on Monday morning was a lot easier, knowing they bagged the four points.

“To get that win was just awesome reward for effort…we were thrilled to get the win,” Curnow told AFL Live Radio on Monday.

“I suppose the expectations externally of the football club aren’t overly high, with the way we played footy last year and where we finished, but internally we’ve got a burning desire to succeed and improve.” 

The hard-running midfielder, who’s also in the Blues leadership group, racked up 31 disposals, including six tackles and nine contested possessions in Sunday’s victory.

As a leader, Curnow says it was “pleasing” to see the Blues’ experienced players step up and go hard when it was their turn.

“I think it was a game that was pretty scrappy, but we contributed across the board and everyone, when it was their time to go, they went and had a crack,” Curnow said.

One of those players was Dale Thomas, who kicked three goals, including a marvelous snap from the boundary. After recovering from shoulder and ankle injuries, ‘Daisy’ appears to be enjoying his football.

“He’s awesome for the group, I don’t think people understand, being a younger group, the energy he brings around the Club.

“He’s starting to play with that confidence he used to play with, he’s great to play with and he’s a great club man. It was good to see him get some reward because he’s put in a lot of effort this pre-season – I think he’ll have a good year.”

Carlton’s next test will be this Sunday, when it takes on the Bombers at the MCG. To book your tickets, visit: www.ticketmaster.com.au