Charlie Curnow | 2021 Season Review

Written by Ari Stamatakos

SEASON SYNOPSIS

The Return Of The Prince. Carlton fans were itching at a return for Charlie. After a year and a half away from the back with persistent knee injuries, this was the year that Charlie was going to return. We all knew it was going to be late in the season, and with no VFL games for him to get back into the swing of things. However, with 4 games to go, in came the prince. His first game in pretty much two years. Hearts were in mouths every time he went up for a mark or put his head over the footy, but he got through unscathed and kicked an incredible goal to put the cherry on top of a fantastic night. 

He played out the remaining games of the year, kicking another goal and springing around the joint as if had never left. There was no longer a worry every time he took a mark or laid a tackle, and he manage to get around the ground pretty well for someone who hadn’t played the game for 2 years. He ended the year with an average of 3 inside 50’s, 302 metres gained, and 3.5 hardball gets, displaying how he was able to move so freely around the ground. Taking 1.5 marks on the lead and 5.3 effective kicks is just trademark Charlie and it’s so good to have him back.     

BEST PERFORMANCE 

Unsurprisingly, after 2 years out of the game, Charlie didn’t return and kick 6 in his debut - despite how many people actually thought/wanted it to happen. He showed promise in his first game back, kicking a fantastic goal of one step. However, his most uplifting game was the final one of the season, against the Giants. He had 15 disposals, 6 marks, 3 inside 50’s and 3 score involvements. He didn’t take a backwards step in any contest - whether that be on the ground or in the air - and he was dynamic as always, posing a threat whenever the ball came in his directions. If this is the Charlie we got after 4 games back, in another 4 he will be back to game-breaking best.

OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK

Just please, please, don’t get injured. Cross your fingers, knock on wood, everyone does everything in your power to give all the positive vibes to Charlie over the pre-season. He did look a little bit green in some areas when he came back - but that should be expected with the amount of footy he missed - so there are some improvements to be made. Specifically, his positioning, alot of times he was in the wrong position to get the ball or made the wrong lead - this will come with more game practice and getting himself more familiar with the ball movement coming his way. A promising back end of the year for a player who has been missed by - not only Carlton fans but the whole competition. Because AFL is a better spectacle when Charlie is running hot.

2021 REPORT CARD RATING

B

STATUS HEADING INTO 2022 

Important 22