An in-form Charlie Curnow is steadily making a name as one of the Blues’ promising future stars but the youngster has credited his peers for fostering his recent on-field success.
After a ‘slow start’ early in his second season at the Blues, the 20-year-old has recently impressed with his ability to take a strong mark and convert in front of goal.
With just 20 AFL games under his belt, Curnow is growing in consistency under the guidance of his coaches and fellow forwards.
“I’ve been pretty happy with the way I’ve been going just recently but I’ve had great help,” Curnow told SEN on Tuesday.
“Levi Casboult is down in the forward line with me, he’s probably got one of the best marks in the AFL so I’m getting a lot of help from good players around me.
“The coaching staff (including) Shane Watson, Tim Clarke and ‘Bolts’ are also helping me to work on my craft.”
In his last outing in the navy blue, the prominent power forward managed 19 disposals, 10 marks, two goals and a game-high 10 score involvements to be named the Round 16 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
In the wake of the nomination, Curnow said he was benefiting from a positive “learning environment”, fostered by senior coach Brendon Bolton, where he revealed player input is paramount.
“He’s (Bolton) creating a really good environment where everyone’s got their own say and opinion on the game,” Curnow said.
“They (coaches) really take that on board and deliver it through meetings.”
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Curnow’s nomination for this year’s award afforded the Club its fifth in just 11 weeks, with the former Geelong Falcon following in the footsteps of junior Blues Jack Silvagni, David Cuningham, Sam Petrevski-Seton and Caleb Marchbank.
The 194cm tall is an exciting prospect for Carlton fans with the youngster set to remain in the navy blue until at least the end of 2019, after he recommitted to the Club via a new two-year deal early this season.