AFL

7 months ago

What Charlie Curnow must do to go to the next level and join legendary group of forwards

By Lachlan Geleit

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SEN host Dwayne Russell thinks that Charlie Curnow must become an iconic finals player if he’s to be remembered as a truly all-time great forward.

Curnow has won the last two Coleman Medals and leads the 2024 race through 14 games on 43 majors – five ahead of the next best in Gold Coast’s Ben King on 38.

While the 27-year-old will no doubt keep adding medals and awards to his resume throughout the rest of his prime, Russell thinks that he must improve in finals to truly be remembered as a great having struggled in September during 2023 – kicking just three goals across three finals games.

Russell doesn’t think that Curnow needs to carry Carlton to a flag but simply must prove that he’s still as dominant in finals as he is in the home and away season to go to the next level.

“It's probably harsh when it comes to judging individuals, but I think Charlie Curnow needs a good final series,” Russell said on SEN Afternoons.

“That's what he needs and that'll elevate himself. I mean, you talk about the Dermott Brereton’s of the world and the Gary Ablett Snr’s of the world as well, they were iconic in their finals performances as well. Jason Dunstall had iconic finals performances.

“Now, not all of them won flags - Gary Ablett Snr didn't win flags and sometimes your team's not good enough.

“But if Charlie Curnow, kicked five in a Preliminary Final win to drag his team over the line like he often does in a home and away game or kicks five in a losing Grand Final and doesn't let them down, then that's going to be a big difference maker I reckon.

“That’s to Charlie Curnow's overall look that he gets from the wider football world.”

While Curnow struggled in September last year, Russell is backing him to have a dominant finals campaign in 2024 should the second-placed Blues qualify and make a run at the flag.

He also wouldn’t be surprised if Curnow rises to hold the status as the outright No. 1 player in the game should he help the Blues lift the cup aloft on September 28.

“I would back him in to have a big finals series this year,” Russell said.

“In fact, it wouldn't surprise me at all if Charlie Curnow at the end of this season ends up being the number one player in the game in people's eyes ahead of others.

“I know Bontempelli is more likely to win a Brownlow Medal and we've got a number of players who are probably more likely to win a Brownlow Medal than Charlie Curnow.

“But if he stands up in a Grand Final and Carlton wins it, then I think Charlie Curnow in all of our top 50s might end up jumping to number one.

“Jeremy Cameron's been up there for a while but Charlie's on the edge I reckon.”

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