While Charlie Curnow booted five goals and was Carlton’s best on Thursday night, Ed Curnow’s performance warrants plaudits.
The veteran midfielder missed the entire 2022 season with injuries, but had a strong pre-season and worked his way into the club’s starting 22, playing across half forward in Round 1.
With no George Hewett or Sam Walsh, Curnow was thrust into a pure on-ball role against reigning premiers Geelong, tagging Cam Guthrie out of the match and gathering 26 disposals (10 in the final term), eight tackles, seven score involvements and six clearances.
David King and Kane Cornes praised the 33-year-old for his performance on SEN Breakfast.
King: “Do we overlook just how good Ed Curnow was in the last quarter?”
Cornes: “I had it written down in my notes. I’ve always admired him as a player. Us taggers stick together.”
King: “He was more than just a tagger last night. He was about to be tackled in the fourth quarter last night at a stoppage so he tapped the ball to Adam Cerra. It was brilliant play. He understood the situation. His 10-disposal last term was significant.”
Cornes: “He didn’t play last year. To have him back, I thought they may have moved on from him.”
Ed Curnow's last quarter: 10 disposals, 6 contested possessions, 4 clearances. Both of Carlton's scores that term started with a ground ball get of his. Huge finish
— Ethan (@ethanmeldrum_) March 23, 2023
Cornes also praised Carlton midfielder Matt Kennedy, who finished with 26 disposals, seven score involvements and four clearances.
“It was good to see their brutal midfield performance back. I love the brutality of their midfield,” he added.
“Matt Kennedy is a gun. Some of his stuff last night, it was a finals like game to me.”
Ruckman Marc Pittonet was a late inclusion for Hewett on Thursday night and while he only played 53 per cent game time as he works his way back from a knee injury, he had some influential moments in the ruck.
David King feels the Blues are a better team with the two ruckmen in their side.
“I’m a Marc Pittonet fan. I know everyone says ‘can you play the two rucks’, but I thought Tom De Koning looked like he had more energy last night and wasn’t taxed from a full game in the ruck,” he said.
“I’m a big believer in giving your midfielders first opportunity. I don’t think Carlton in the midfield were at their best last night. They had 42 first possessions to Geelong’s 30, but they lost the clearances.
“They’re plus 12 in first possessions – that’s the ruckman’s job. Supply first opportunity. Some of the hit-outs from Pittonet, they didn’t quite hit the mark, but they were very aggressive, they’re a better team with Pittonet in there for me.”
Carlton will be looking to take full advantage of 1.5 wins over Richmond and Geelong, with games against GWS, North Melbourne and Adelaide to come.