Ed Curnow | 2021 Season Review
Written by Ari Stamatakos
SEASON SYNOPSIS
Mr Consistent. Mr Wet Weather, whatever you want to call him, Ed Curnow went into season 2021 unsure about his place in the side. After a standard year in 2020, punters were questions Curnow’s place in the side, arguing that we should move on, get Kennedy and Dow more midfield minutes and blood the youth. Whilst the argument is valid, Ed Curnow provides the Blues with something which is indispensable, and he proved it again this year. Whether that be in the midfield or on the half-forward flank, Curnow never had a game below par - as per usual - and always performed when others didn’t. Whilst not averaging elite in any metric, he ranks above average in inside 50’s (4.3), effective kicks (8), Metres gained (361) and Score involvements (5.1). He adapted to any position he played and produced moments of magic on plenty of occasions.
BEST PERFORMANCE
On a wet night up on the Gold Coast - the wet weather specialist needed to step up. Ed Curnow has developed a knack for performing very well when the conditions don’t suit others. He plays smart, territory-based footy and very rarely is too cute with his disposals. He plays the percentages perfectly and it works to full effect. While others cower and use their environment as a crutch, Curnow thrives and plays his best footy when his back is against the wall. This was on full display in round 4 against the Suns.
By far our best player on the day. He ended the match with 32 disposals, 5 tackles, 5 marks, 4 intercept possessions, 7 score involvements, 8 clearances, 4 inside 50’s and a clutch goal in the second term to get the game back in Carlton’s favour. He stood out amongst a group of players waiting for a leader to step up and deliver for their side - Ed Curnow was that man. He very rarely has 10/10 games - that’s just the player he is - but when he does, he makes them count.
OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK
When will this man slow down? Hopefully never, but year after year there is talk ‘that this will be his last year’ and ‘we need to move on’. But week in week out, he is one of very few who puts in 100% effort, every single time he pulls on the Navy Blue. The natural replacement for him - Liam Stocker - is brewing in the backline, ready to explode on the big stage. But in the meantime, there is no harm in having Ed Curnow as a midfielder/half-forward who can tag, hit the scoreboard, and provide unmatched run. While he doesn’t pull out the 32-36 disposal numbers on a regular occasion, he knows his role and performs to precise accuracy nearly every time. He showed adaptability and willingness to do anything for the team time and time again and he has a moment of magic in him once and a while. Ed Curnow might be one of the most underrated Carlton players in the modern era and will be sorely missed once he is gone. Let’s appreciate him while he is still around as 2022 could be his last round - and if it is - he needs a send-off worthy of his career.
2021 REPORT CARD RATING
B
STATUS HEADING INTO 2022
Consistent 22
