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 forward Charlie Curnow.

GAMES

Season 2017: 21

Career: 27

GOALS

Season 2017: 20

Career: 25

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)

Disposals: 297 (14.1) Marks: 119 (5.7) Tackles: 61 (2.9) Contested marks: 36 (1.7) Disposal efficiency: (77.4 per cent) Score involvements: 99 (4.7) 

OVERVIEW

Charlie Curnow’s emergence was one of Carlton’s best stories of 2017. 

In just his second season, the 20-year-old had periods where he ripped opposition defences apart, using his athleticism and strong hands to outmark more seasoned bodies.

Putting the frustrations of an injury-plagued debut season behind him, Curnow missed just one game in 2017 and finished fourth in the NAB AFL Rising Star voting and 10th in Carlton's best and fairest.

He seemingly grew in confidence as the season progressed, lifting his average disposals and marks to 14 and six respectively.

His contested marking was the highlight, finishing equal 18th (on average) in this category alongside Sydney superstar Lance Franklin.

Contracted until at least the end of 2019, the younger brother of Ed is set to bring Blues supporters plenty of joy in the coming years. 

 

BEST PERFORMANCE

Curnow was only eight when Carlton had last beaten Hawthorn.

Fast-forward 12 years and the powerful forward would play a key role in the Blues’ next win over the Hawks.

In the drought-breaking victory, Curnow led his side for contested possessions (14), recording five marks (two contested), a goal and two assists.

He was a constant presence in a performance which further validated his reputation as one of the competition’s gun youngsters.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

Everything we love about Curnow’s aerial prowess was on display against Hawthorn.

Halfway through the second term, Curnow flew above Hawk Jack Gunston and teammates Jarrod Pickett and Levi Casboult to pluck a contested mark on the wing before sticking a cat-like landing.

It was an effort which perfectly combined his power and balance.