The Carlton Football Club embarked on the second stage of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2017.
After registering six wins, the Blues finished the season in 16th place on the ladder.
Despite falling four points short of its 2016 output, Carlton won more quarters in 2017, demonstrating the growth of the playing group in its second year with Bolton at the helm.
With the team now on a break, we’re analysing each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton midfielder Ed Curnow.
GAMES
Season 2017: 13
Career: 122
GOALS
Season 2017: 6
Career: 22
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 282 (21.69) Marks: 51 (3.92) Tackles: 66 (5.08) Clearances: 40 (3.08) Contested possessions: 135 (10.38)
OVERVIEW
After playing 21 games last season, Ed Curnow was restricted to 13 matches in 2017 after bruising his larynx in Round 14 against Richmond.
It was unfortunate for the onballer, as the No. 35 started the season in solid form.
In the Blues’ 19-point win over Sydney at the MCG in Round 6, he was influential in the middle. In typical Curnow fashion the hard-working midfielder left nothing in the tank, amassing 22 disposals, eight tackles, seven inside 50s and five clearances.
In a testament to his ferocity around the ball, Curnow finished the season ranked second at the Club for average contested possessions behind Patrick Cripps, with 10.38 per game.
Off the field, Curnow was lucky enough to meet Australian music icon and famous Bluebagger Tina Arena when she visited the Club in June. He was on hand to show her around the facilities and have a kick on the park – and it’s fair to say he was impressed with her skills.
There’s no doubt the 27-year-old will be looking forward hitting the track with his younger brother Charlie in 2018.
BEST PERFORMANCE
The week before sustaining his season-ending injury, Curnow played a pivotal role in Carlton’s win over the Suns on the Gold Coast. He was moved onto Gary Ablett to curb his influence halfway through the first quarter and did a commendable job. Not only did he shut the Brownlow Medallist down and restrict him to 25 possessions, but he also racked up 21 disposals, five clearances and kicked a goal himself.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
In the Blues’ stirring victory over GWS at Etihad Stadium in Round 12, Curnow kicked a magnificent goal in the first quarter. After receiving a handball from Jed Lamb, he skillfully snapped the 40-metre goal from the pocket, as the cheersquad watched it happily sail through the big sticks. The impressive major was named Carlton’s Goal of the Week.
