Surf Coast-based Blue calls time on respected career

A SURF Coast boy since the beginning, Carlton Football Club clubman Ed Curnow will hang up the boots at the conclusion of the 2023 season, following a statement made by the Blues this afternoon (Thursday, August 31).

The retirement announcement arrived after 14 seasons and 221 AFL games, capping off a journey exemplified by hard work and determination.

Curnow was first recruited to Adelaide via the 2008 rookie draft, before he received a second chance at Carlton, landing at IKON Park as a rookie at the end of 2010.

Ed made his debut in Round 1, 2011 against Richmond, and from there spent over a decade endearing himself in Navy Blue hearts. In his first year at the Carlton, he received the Best Clubman Award – an accolade he earned a further two times in both 2016 and 2019.

In 2015, he was awarded the Spirit of Carlton Award for best embodying the spirit of the Club both on and off the field. He also impressively achieved three consecutive podium finishes in the John Nicholls Medal from 2018–2020, becoming the first player since Chris Judd to do so.

Demonstrating his significant impact among the playing group, Curnow was voted into the Blues’ leadership group for the first time in 2016, maintaining the position for six seasons.

Upholding his durability within the Carlton midfield, Curnow finished his 11th season in 2021, ranked first at the Club for goal assists and inside 50s and third for contested possessions, clearances and tackles behind Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh.

Last year, the 33-year-old received Life Membership of the Carlton Football Club, after reaching the 200-game milestone in Round 19, 2021.

Reinforcing his role as the heartbeat of the playing group, at the end of 2022, Curnow was offered a one-year contract extension.

The hard-running fan favourite finishes his career as the most senior player on the Blues’ list and will forever be remembered for the lasting legacy he has left within the four walls of IKON Park.

“I want to thank the Club and the people who have given me this great opportunity and full life that I’ve lived so far,” Curnow said.

“The people I’ve met, the friendships I’ve formed, the teammates past and present, the wider Club and fan base, I will never forget how much you have accepted and supported me throughout my time here.

“A special thank you to my amazing wife Emily, my kids Will, Alice, James, and all my family. Your support my entire career has been unreal.

“It’s been a real highlight these past years to have my children in the rooms after the game and to play alongside my brother and their uncle Charlie is not something I will ever take for granted.

“The Carlton Football Club and its people have given me so much over the years, thank you.”

Blues coach Michael Voss said Curnow’s durability, hard work, and drive, in addition to his energy off the field, means he will leave Carlton in a significantly better place than when he arrived.

“Footy clubs are built around good people like Ed Curnow,” Voss said.

“Ed is highly regarded within these four walls, has held a special place in Carlton hearts for over a decade, and deservingly so. He is someone that gives his all every game, won’t rest until he’s won that contest, with a hunger and desire to finish every game as strong as he started.

“Ed meant so much to so many people who are connected to our football club and provided much-needed experience for the playing group. He’s been here through the tough times, put his body through a lot but the Club will forever be a better place for having Ed Curnow as an integral part of it.

“Ed Curnow is a Carlton person, and the Curnow family are a Carlton family. It’s been a privilege to coach Ed in his final years at the Blues.”

The Blues will take on the Sydney Swans on Friday, September 8 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in a do or die Elimination Final.