HE’S AS humble as they come, but even Charlie Curnow admitted to some pre-match Coleman Medal-related nerves.
Eight goals ahead leading into the final round of the season normally would’ve meant Curnow was a sure thing and could simply go about his business on Sunday afternoon.
Then, over in Perth, Taylor Walker kicked nine.
Needing at least one to tie and two to win the medal outright, Curnow did his work early.
And, unlike last year where it was all wrapped up before his final game of the season, Curnow this time got his moment in front of over 44,000 Carlton supporters under the Marvel Stadium roof 15 minutes into the game.
“I hate to say it, but it was in the back of my mind! It feels great,” Curnow said post-match.
“I got to see Mum and Dad before and my school mates as well. It’s a nice feeling.
“It’s an individual award, but there’s a lot of people coming in behind me and supporting me to win these things.”
Curnow doesn’t watch all that much football, particularly the night before the game, but he couldn’t help himself to tune in and see how the Adelaide veteran was faring at Optus Stadium.
The Carlton faithful who turned up in their droves to Marvel Stadium needn’t have worried, with Curnow hauling in two customary marks and kicking truly to win his second Coleman Medal in as many seasons.
In doing so, the enigmatic forward entered the Carlton history books, becoming the first Blue to win consecutive leading goal kicker awards. And the man who is reserved the biggest cheer from Bluebaggers everywhere loved doing it in front an adoring home crowd.
“Back to back sounds pretty cool! I haven’t really thought about it too much, I’ve tried to avoid it.
“Far out, the Carlton fans! It’s been a bit of a journey this year, as we all know. We can’t thank them enough for showing up tonight for us boys and the team as a whole.
“We didn’t perform the way we have been, but for them to celebrate what we’ve done in the last 10 weeks as a whole . . . it’s been amazing.”
What about this medal?
Sharing a poignant moment of how he celebrated with his first, he expects the 2023 edition to end up alongside its 2022 contemporary.
After all, for Curnow, family has always come first.
“I don’t know yet. My old man and Mum, I’ll probably just give it to them again and make sure they’ll look after it!
“Last year was a pretty awesome moment. I got to see my late granddad about four weeks before he passed, going down to see him and get a photo with him.
“I’m sure he’d be pretty pumped.”
