Blues star Curnow says he feels no extra pressure despite his quiet finals start

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Star Carlton forward Charlie Curnow says he feels no extra pressure to perform in Saturday’s preliminary final against the Brisbane Lions after being kept to just two goals so far this finals series.

The 2023 Coleman medallist averaged more than three goals per game to kick 78 majors for the home and away season, but has been kept to just one goal in each of Carlton’s two finals.

Charlie Curnow is happy to share the load this finals campaign.Credit: Getty Images

Demons defender Steven May received eight coaches’ votes for his performance on Curnow, behind only Sam Walsh, who was given maximum votes by both Michael Voss and Simon Goodwin following Friday night’s thrilling semi-final win over Melbourne.

But Curnow said he had faith Carlton could continue to share the load to get the job done against the Lions.

“Throughout the season I never really thought like that [I needed to carry the team],” he said.

“The boys have shown throughout the year without certain players in the team that they can get the job done.

“My processes each week, it’s [about] trying to create a contest and get the ball to ground and work off from there. You get to come up against the best defenders in the comp. That’s the best part about finals.

“ ‘Maysy’ [Steven May] is a gun. It was a tough contest on the weekend and looking forward to this weekend. Pretty much go back to the basics. Work rate and contest is something I always look to, so I’ll look to that again this week.”

Thousands turned out to Ikon Park on Monday to watch the Blues train ahead of their first preliminary final since 2000.

Curnow said the players were riding a wave of support after back-to-back thrillers.

“Obviously, the outside world, outside of the footy club, it can be pretty full on,” he said.

“It’s been pretty hectic, it’s been a lot of fun. You probably don’t realise until after the game how the crowd was because you’re so focused on getting the result. I guess it’s such a tense result, those last two minutes, but until after the game you probably sit back and realise that was something really special to be a part of.

“It’s a great honour for us as players, but inside here it’s the same as usual. Win or loss, you come in and figure out what you need to do better and come into the next week.”

Curnow had a quiet night against Melbourne.Credit: AFL Photos

Curnow said Harry McKay and Jack Martin would be available, adding that McKay’s return would be welcomed.

“Our role doesn’t really change, it stays the same. It obviously helps me out heaps,” Curnow said of McKay coming back.

“Having ‘H’ back in as another tall target who can draw defenders helps the whole team.

“You can kind of work off each other and I probably don’t have to run to as many contests, which is nice, and share the loads a bit. It’s always a treat when we get to play together.”

Curnow in action at open training at Ikon Park on Monday.Credit: Eddie Jim

While the Blues will have to take their game on the road this week, after consecutive finals at the MCG, Curnow was confident they’d have plenty of support in foreign territory.

“It’s going to be a cool experience playing in their arena,” he said.

“Recovery’s obviously huge [this week] and with travelling, going up there and making sure everyone’s fresher, but I think that’s something we’ve shown we can do throughout the season, back it up with short breaks and with travel, so the boys will be pretty confident.

“They’re a pretty strong side at the moment, and we know how good they are at home, so we’ll have to bring our A-game.”

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