Carlton development coach Brent Stanton says that while young gun Charlie Curnow’s immediate future looks to be predominantly forward, there’s “no doubt” he will spend time in the midfield at some point in his career.
The former Essendon midfielder says that the 20-year-old former number 12 draft pick’s best footy looks bound to be in the middle of the ground, believing he could become this generation’s version of former Richmond forward Matthew Richardson or ex-Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich.
“I think for the time being he is going to be a forward. That might be what the team needs at this point, but I have no doubt his best footy in the future might be as an inside mid,” Stanton told SEN Drive.
“He can run like the wind and break open the game.
“I sort of see a little bit of Matthew Richardson or Matthew Pavlich…he can play forward and have a real impact but also stints in the midfield where he can outrun anyone.
“He’s in our top two or three in our time trial already. It’s quite impressive for how big and strong he is at this early stage of his career.”
Stanton says that Curnow has given him a great first impression since the 255-game Bomber joined the Blues in October, his first role since hsi retirement earlier this year.
“His work ethic, his voice…he is starting to become a leader,” he said.
“He’s only 20. You forget how young these guys are.
“The way he is adapting to the training loads, normally these bigger guys may take a little bit longer than some midfielders do but we’re very impressed with how athletic he is and how he attacks the footy.
“He is one of those guys who has the versatility to play forward and also midfield and I think that is a great attribute for him, the club and team to have.”
Curnow has played 27 games since his debut in 2016, and has booted 25 goals.
Listen to Brent Stanton chat with the boys on SEN Drive in the player below: