Ed Curnow says two new fellow midfielders have particularly impressed him this pre-season. 

After a third-place finish in the 2018 John Nicholls Medal count, Curnow said No.1 draft pick Sam Walsh and GWS recruit Will Setterfield had brought an elite work ethic with them to Ikon Park. 

Speaking with SEN Breakfast on Thursday, Curnow said Walsh would bolster the Blues' midfield. 

"There’s a little bit more edge in us especially around the midfield group to be honest. I think at times we probably have run a little bit thin in the last few years,” Curnow said. 

“There is a heap of talent there, and talent only gets you so far, but they’re all working hard. I think everybody is sensing Sam Walsh is already training well.”

The former Geelong Falcons and Vic Country co-captain was taken by the Blues with their first pick, following a highly impressive under-18 season in which included the Larke and Ben Mitchell Medals. 

Curnow said he expected Walsh to run out in the navy blue in season 2019. 

“He’s already a pro. His body, his shape, physique and his repeat efforts on the track - that’s what has impressed me,” he said. 

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“He’s winning the footy, he’s come in with the right confidence and I can see him playing straight away and playing well.

“I’m pretty keen to be a part of his development. I’m always trying to improve myself, but at this stage in my career I’m also enjoying the guys underneath me do well."

Entering his ninth pre-season at Ikon Park, Curnow said the addition of former Giant Setterfield was another asset to Carlton's midfield. 

Curnow said the 20-year-old had also set high standards since joining the Blues. 

“He’s working really hard on getting his body right so that he can perform at the highest level and be consistently out on the track,” he said. 

"He had his first session with us the other day which was exciting for him. He’s a really good kid to be honest. 

“I think he’s going to do well. He’s competitive and he’s got all the attributes."

Curnow was announced as a member of the Blues’ five-man leadership group on Wednesday, with the gut-runner named alongside Kade Simpson, Marc Murphy and joint captains Sam Docherty and Patrick Cripps.