Carlton’s Charlie Curnow endured a disappointing finals series in 2023.
The Coleman Medallist and widely acknowledged best forward in the AFL was only able to muster three goals across three games as the Blues were eliminated by the Lions in Saturday night’s Preliminary Final.
Curnow finished his first finals campaign with averages of one goal, 10.66 disposals and five marks – all down on his home and away averages of 3.39 goals, 14.08 disposals and 7.17 marks per game.
The 26-year-old was well beaten by Tom McCartin in the Elimination Final win over Sydney, outplayed by Steven May in the Semi Final win over Sydney and was nullified by Darcy Gardiner in the prelim loss to Brisbane.
Kane Cornes believes Curnow’s reputation took a hit as a result of his quiet September campaign.
“A few players will have to look themselves in the mirror for their finals series,” Cornes said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
“One of them is probably the most talented player on their list and that’s Charlie Curnow.
“He kicked 78 goals in the home and away season but wasn’t able to deliver on the finals stage.
“There are his numbers, but what you don’t see is off the vision and how influential (Tom) McCartin was, how influential (Steven) May was and (Darcy) Gardiner who had played two games for the year – he was well beaten by him as well.
“I didn’t think he played with the intensity and the work-rate that he did throughout the home and away season.
“When your reputation is built on finals, he’s probably damaged his a little bit this finals series really.”
Champion goalkicker Matthew Lloyd simply believes Curnow didn’t fight hard enough in the finals as he had to put up with increased attention from defenders.
“He just didn’t fight,” Lloyd said.
“He didn’t fight hard enough through. You can not mark them yourself but he shouldn’t be getting outmarked like he was by opposition players.
“He was too accepting in the finals series.”
Curnow will now reset ahead of the 2024 season where he’ll aim for three-straight Coleman Medals.
"He just didn't fight hard enough."
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) September 24, 2023
Matthew Lloyd and Kane Cornes on where Charlie Curnow didn't live up to expectation on the finals stage. #9AFLSFS | Channel 9 📺 pic.twitter.com/WGQ43REwhp