Carlton Skipper Anticipates Fierce Season Opener Against Former Star Charlie Curnow
Carlton’s captain, Patrick Cripps, is bracing for an explosive start to the AFL season as the Blues prepare to face off against their former teammate, Charlie Curnow. The highly anticipated clash, scheduled for Thursday, March 5, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), is already generating significant buzz, with Curnow now a key figure for the Sydney Swans.
Curnow, who recently made a strong impression with a four-goal performance in his debut for the Swans, presents a formidable challenge for Carlton. Adding to the intrigue, the Blues might be without their star defender, Jacob Weitering, who is currently in doubt due to a rib injury. This situation amplifies Curnow’s potential impact in the season opener.
“Everyone’s talking about the build-up: Charlie versus us,” Cripps commented on Monday, acknowledging the narrative surrounding the match. He anticipates a “great contest” with “a bit of theatre involved, no doubt.” Cripps believes the AFL’s scheduling team masterfully set up this encounter. “The AFL’s not silly. They knew exactly how they were scheduling it,” he remarked.
The intensity of opening rounds is a given, with Cripps stating, “Every round zero, every round one, is going to be fierce … everyone gets excited for the first game of the year.” When pressed about the possibility of emotions boiling over on the field, Cripps offered a playful, “You’ll have to tune in, mate. We’ll see.”
Charlie Curnow’s departure from Carlton marks a significant shift for the club. During his decade with the Blues, he secured two Coleman Medals, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier forwards. His move to Sydney was facilitated by a trade that saw Carlton acquire three first-round draft picks and Sydney forward Will Hayward. While the Curnow versus Carlton storyline will undoubtedly be a major talking point leading up to the game, the Blues acknowledge that adjusting to life without their star forward will be a longer-term process.
“It’s very different, obviously,” Cripps admitted when reflecting on the team’s forward line dynamics. “We’re so used to having the two big boys,” he said, referring to Curnow and the 2021 Coleman Medal winner, Harry McKay. The absence of Curnow, combined with the integration of new recruits, has introduced a new attacking dimension. “With some of the new boys we’ve got in, there’s a different dynamic and a new skill-set. There’s probably a bit more speed on the floor, (we’re) a bit less predictable.”
While pre-season form is often a poor indicator of regular-season success, the early signs for Carlton’s revamped forward line are encouraging. In 2025, the Blues struggled offensively, averaging just 78 points per game. However, their first practice match of 2026 against last year’s premiers, Brisbane, saw a significant uplift. Carlton kicked 15 goals in a 15-point victory, with new acquisitions Ben Ainsworth and Will Hayward contributing a combined total of six goals.
Cripps, however, remains grounded. “It’s a bit of a work in progress – it looked good last week but it’s one game,” he cautioned.
Looking ahead, Cripps also expressed optimism about the potential impact of emerging talents Jagga Smith and Harry Dean. He believes these young players are poised to make their mark early in the season. “You don’t want to heap too much expectation on them, but they’re high-quality players,” Cripps stated. “There are going to be a lot of number sevens (Smith’s jersey number) floating around pretty soon among Carlton fans. I think they’ll both play pretty early.” Their development and integration into the senior side will be a key focus for the Blues throughout the upcoming campaign.
