AFTER a year on the sidelines, veteran Ed Curnow is definitely ready to get back into some game play. 

Speaking on RSN Breakfast this morning, Curnow noted he found it hard to be positive when he was sitting on the sidelines in 2022, but admitted he has learnt a little bit about himself and is keen to take part in the 2023 season. 

“I probably didn’t cope that well being injured all last year and not playing a game,” Curnow said. 

“I love footy, I love being able to go out there and train and run around like everyone does – at times, it gets the best of you.”

Curnow had to find another outlet for his energy, usually pumped up by the adrenaline of exercise and footy.

Despite being plenty busy away from IKON Park, Curnow found his lack of exercise was a major burden on his mental state. 

“A good one for me has been just putting a few more routines in place so that I can give myself a better chance to be in a better mood if I don’t get my dose of physical activity,” he said. 

“The hardest thing is that you’re paid to go to work and do a job and when you turn up, you just feel like you’re giving no value.

“I’ve always worked part time and studied and put a lot of things in my life around football so I wouldn't be defined as just a footy player and I’d be busy and I’d have things to do if it wasn’t there.” 

Now back into full training and the season just around the corner, Curnow couldn’t be more excited for what the year has to bring. 

One thing that Curnow missed was the roar of the Carlton faithful - which he acknowledges - was out in full force in 2022 when he was on the sidelines. 

Never taking for granted being able to play in front of big crowds, Curnow divulged that the entire group takes it in their stride and thrives off the noise that the fans deliver. 

“I think we saw last year with the momentum that was building in some of the games, those games were amazing to be at in the crowd, with the passion of our fans, supporter base and the noise that it created,” he said.

“The guys really enjoy that and I think we perform well.” 

When asked about the pressure that comes with being such a big and notable team on the rise, Curnow spoke on what the Carlton connection means to the team and what it means to truly ‘be Carlton’. 

Big crowds, team roles, pressure and scrutiny, he noted, are all part of their identity and the 159-year history of the Club. 

“We talk a lot about our role within the team and being good teammates but then also embracing what Carlton means: members, supporters and really enjoying that,” he said.

“We have things that clearly we hold dear to us and that’s being a good teammate, nailing your role in the system that we’re playing and then knowing your position in the greater world of the Carlton Football Club.

“If that means we’re having big crowds and pressure, that’s awesome for us.”

Speaking on Michael Voss’ second year at the helm, Curnow expects the development of the team will be climbing further in 2023, going back to the importance of having each player play their role. 

With more development comes more competition for spots, which Curnow believes is the best possible position that a young Club can be in if they want to contend for finals. 

“We want to be a better team this year and that means taking that step into finals,” he said. 

“I think the development of the group with that one extra year with Vossy, you’ve got guys who are really clear about their roles in the team and how that fits into the system we want to play. 

“They’ve also had a year of going out there and performing those roles and seeing success and that builds a lot of belief.

“You’ve then got more players, we’ve got squad depth and competition with players coming through, so I feel like that will all add to our improvement.”