“TO BE back playing footy and on a day like this, seeing all the kids and supporters and fans here — it’s why you play.”

The king of the kids. 

There was no denying who the main attraction was at IKON Park on Monday, as the Charlie’s Crew junior clinic took centre stage during school holidays. 

The namesake of the program is currently sitting second on the Coleman Medal leaderboard, and despite the weekend’s loss, he is continuing to keep things positive and fun in the only way he knows how. 

Speaking to media, Charlie Curnow said the gratitude he has gained in the last few years on the sidelines made days like today even more poignant.

“The last two years, everyone has had a tough time,” Curnow said.

“You get such enjoyment out of other people enjoying your game. I get to see my family after games, I get to hang out with them and after a win or a loss they make you feel better.

“It all makes it fun.

“In the back-end of the season, we’ll try to attack each week and take it week by week. I know you hear that a fair bit from footballers, but we’ve got a big game coming up this week and we’ve really got to push.”

The younger Curnow brother was more than happy to front up at today’s junior clinic, having already mastered the role as ‘Uncle Charlie’ in the Curnow family. 

In fact, with the press conference surrounded by no shortage of junior Blues, Curnow said he was much more comfortable in that environment compared to others.

“The kids are good: they always take things light-hearted and don’t ask the hard questions like you guys — I like hanging around them more,” he laughed.

“It’s good fun. I’ve got my older sister and my older brother Ed who have kids of their own. Going home is always fun, hanging out with them.”

Going back home was met with its fair share of familial advice on the weekend, after Curnow left his kicking boots at home on Friday night after what has otherwise been an accurate season.

“I got a few goalkicking lessons off my parents around the fire over the weekend,” he said.

“Dad didn’t say too much, but he tells me to kick through it. I get a few comments from a few different people: family and friends were over, so I had a few tough conversations.

“Smile and nod, always!”