CARLTON midfielder Ed Curnow will be staying in Navy Blue in 2023 after his selection in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

Curnow will line up for his 13th season at the Blues after first joining the list in 2010.

Since that point he has become a heartbeat of the Carlton playing group - amassing 204 games, the most on the current list - which earned him Life Membership of the Club earlier this year.

A two-time Best Clubman further exemplifies his invaluable presence around IKON Park, which has endeared him to the Carlton faithful.

On the field, Curnow has been a reliable presence in the side for much of his Carlton career, missing just one game in four seasons between 2018–2021 before injury curtailed his 2022 campaign.

However now fully fit, Curnow will enter pre-season as the only player on the Blues’ list over 30 years of age, eager to bounce back and add a wealth of experience both in the midfield and forward lines.

Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said that while Curnow would add crucial experience to the side, his importance to the team runs deeper than just on the field.

“Great cultures are built around good people with strong values: Ed ticks every box in that regard. He is part of the fabric of this Club, and we’re excited to see him remain on the list for another year,” Austin said.

“He is our most senior player and he takes pride in taking our younger players under his wing and driving standards, which is important in building culture and connection, which we’re really strong on as a Club.

“He had a run of bad luck this season but remained fully committed to his rehab and the program as a whole. The fact he was pushing hard right up until to the end of the season to give himself every chance to be available tells you all you need to know about his professionalism.

“He has already been back training with the younger players and putting the pressure on to earn his place back in the 22.”