THE Coleman Medallist produced a stunning comeback season in 2022, playing all 22 games after only playing four games over the last two years.
Hampered by injuries since Round 15 in 2019, questions were asked about whether Charlie Curnow would ever return to his pre-injury best.
It’s safe to say - with the Coleman Medal around his neck - that Curnow answered that question emphatically.
Curnow has had one podium finish at the John Nicholls Medal before, finishing equal-third with his brother Ed behind Kade Simpson and winner Patrick Cripps.
In 2018, Curnow played every game, finishing with 34 goals to lead Carlton's goalkicking. This year, he finished with almost double that (64), putting him very much in contention for a podium finish yet again.
His outstanding aerial ability was a key factor in his success, ranking fifth in the AFL for total contested marks and fourth for total marks inside 50 on the way to 11 votes in the Brownlow Medal.
Always under heavy attention by opposition defenders, Curnow would still fly for the most difficult of marks, often able to haul them in and convert in front of goal to finish the job.
As well as performing in front of goal, Curnow averaged seven score involvements and three inside 50s, giving his teammates plenty of opportunities to hit the scoreboard themselves.
Curnow’s best performance of the year was against the Round 10 win against the Swans, where the forward slotted six goals and earned himself three Brownlow votes in the process, carrying his team to a 15-point victory against the eventual Grand Finalists.
The majority of Curnow’s five or six goal hauls came in and after that game in Round 10, meaning a strong run home could be in the offing for the second half of the season.
