IN THE week of the eighth AFL Carlton Respects Game, the significance of the program has only grown since its inaugural year.

Ed Curnow - who has been a Blue since the launch of the program - admits that the impact of the program is only becoming more prominent inside the Club and will continue to follow that trend in the future.

Speaking about the Road to Respect digital learning platform, Curnow believes the initiative can help stop disrespect at the start and get on the front foot for promoting respectful behaviours.

“Carlton Respects, it’s a program that’s very dear to the Carlton footy club: it’s been around since 2016,” Curnow said. 
“It’s a very good program that’s released an education module that you can access through our website for grade five and six students.” 

Find out more about 'Road to Respect', the new Carlton Respects schools program by clicking here. 

With the program being taught in schools, Curnow hopes that it allows students to see what respect looks like in all its forms.

Whilst the Carlton Respects program focuses on gender equality and the prevention of violence against women, the father of three appreciates how it represents equal opportunity and promotes being kind to one another.

“The [schools] program promotes help-seeking, managing emotions, what respectful and healthy relationships look like, what that looks like at home and how you treat your siblings,” he said.

“The equality piece strikes a home cord now: I’ve got two sons and a daughter, so I really want equal opportunities for all kids, no matter what they seek to do in life. It’s a great strong program that I think will be around for many years to come."

Help us impact the next generation. Support our Carlton Respects schools program by clicking here. 

One big change that Curnow has noticed in his time at the Club is the shift in culture that came with the inception of the AFLW side.

While noting there wasn’t untoward behaviour previously, the veteran admitted there was a shift of mindset and priorities with the arrival of the Game Changers when it came to what was said, done and promoted around the Club.

“I think being involved when the women program started, it definitely changed: the footy club was no doubt male dominated just based on the ratio of male to females that you see everyday,” he said.  

“In terms of language, it’s tidied up for the better and how we’re at a point where the Carlton Respects program is all about creating the culture that promotes respectful behaviour in relationships and take home and adopt in family life and in our day to day.

“That’s been a big change at the Club, the ‘W’ program has been a great promoter of change towards equality and respect.”