CHARLIE Curnow started at Carlton the year after a wooden spoon. It took him eight years to play in his first final, then another week for his second, and another week for his third.

The enigmatic forward has always had a smile on his face, no matter the difficulties either he or his team have been going through.

But when he speaks glowingly on what it’s like to represent the Navy Blue right now, you can’t help but have a smile of your own.

The scenes of having thousands of people for a Monday training session in preliminary final week was a sight for sore eyes.

“It’s a great feeling, being able to be a Carlton player right now. Seeing a lot of young fans with their families here today and enjoying the week like we are, it’s great to know everyone is getting so much enjoyment from us,” Curnow told media.

“When they come down here - there were 4,000 or 5,000 people here today - and to be able to put a smile on their face . . . you get to see the enjoyment and make a lot of people’s day. We’re so lucky we’re in a position to influence other people’s lives in a positive way.

“It’s something we never take for granted. I’m so glad we’re in finals and we’re able to do that.”

There have been scenes in recent days reflecting pure Carlton jubilation, whether that was at the MCG on Friday night, Lygon Street even later or at IKON Park on Monday.

The temptation could be for Carlton’s current players to reminisce on what brought them to this point, the years of toiling for little reward. It took Curnow six seasons (including two years wiped out through knee injuries) to enjoy 11 wins — the same amount as the Blues have experienced on this incredible run in the last 12 games.

It’s been a process to get to this point, there’s no denying that. But the dual Coleman Medallist and the Blues are remaining fixated on what’s ahead.

“We’ve had a lot of moments where it hasn’t come. Like those games last year, no doubt they’re helping us win finals right now even though we didn’t make it then,” he said.

“It’s been a fair journey and it’s good to see the boys getting a few results, but we know the job’s not done. We’ve hopefully got a few more weeks and this week, our focus is on Brisbane.

“I don’t know if you’ve seen the footage of Jesse Motlop - who was wearing his kit since the game - walking down Lygon Street! You see Andy Lee and his old man in the rooms post-game. Young families and their parents getting to enjoy coming to the footy and watching us play.

“That’s what makes our game so special.”