Carlton’s hard-running midfielder Ed Curnow has his sights set on becoming a more versatile player in 2016.

The 26-year-old, who recently joined Carlton’s new-look leadership group, says he’s been concentrating on this area of his game throughout the pre-season.

“I’ve been focusing on making sure I can play a variety of roles,” he told RSN on Wednesday morning.

“I don’t just want to be a tagging player or a shutdown player, I want to be able to play a variety of roles so I can be versatile for the team.”

Curnow’s AFL career has been one of hard work and determination. After spending one year at the Adelaide Crows in 2008, he returned home to Victoria and began playing for the Box Hill Hawks, but after two standout seasons in 2009 and 2010, he was given a second chance when Carlton selected him in the 2011 Rookie Draft.

His AFL career is something Curnow never takes for granted.

“I really value where I am at the moment, especially being in the Carlton leadership group.

“It has been a bit of a journey but a lot of players go through a similar thing…I don’t think there are many AFL players that don’t have an up and down graph in their career.”

This year will be a little different for Curnow, after his younger brother Charlie was selected by the Blues in last year’s national draft.

There’s not only an eight-year age gap between the two, but there’s also a 10cm height difference – a fact that’s always annoyed Ed.

“I remember as a kid getting home from school and asking mum ‘when was I going to grow?’,” he laughed.  

“It didn’t quite happen the way I wanted it to, my younger brothers both shot past me, but I think I can still claim the wrestle championship at home!”

Carlton kicks off the NAB Challenge competition on Thursday night against Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium.