Charlie Curnow’s Impact on the Sydney Swans
Sydney coach Dean Cox has expressed his admiration for Charlie Curnow, highlighting the former Carlton player’s significant influence on the Swans’ forward line. Despite critics suggesting he isn’t doing enough, Cox believes Curnow is making a valuable contribution.
Curnow was expected to be a key goal-kicker after moving to the Swans from Carlton in the off-season. However, he managed only five goals in the first three rounds of the season. Although he kicked four goals against West Coast on Saturday night, it wasn’t a standout performance given the 128-point victory.
The 29-year-old had his best season in 2023, scoring 81 goals. There is still time for Curnow to replicate that success at Sydney, and Cox is pleased with his early contributions. Especially since Curnow often faces the best opposition defenders, which allows players like Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald to thrive.
“Charlie, people will be going the whole time, unless he kicks 150 goals they’ll be saying he’s not doing enough,” Cox said. “But the thing I was most pleased about with Charlie was West Coast played an extra behind the ball, and very rarely inside 50 did he (that extra man) mark it, because our key forwards provided a contest at all times.”
“The criticism at times will always come, but the expectation in the first three weeks for us wasn’t about only goals.”
Sydney’s Strong Start
The Swans are off to a strong start this season, sitting at 3-1 with a percentage of 182.9. This is a stark contrast to last year, when they started with a 4-8 record before falling just short of a finals berth.
Isaac Heeney was the standout performer in the match against West Coast, recording 26 disposals, four goals, and 518 meters gained. However, the impressive performance of ruckman Brodie Grundy was equally crucial. Grundy contributed 28 disposals, nine clearances, 33 hitouts, and a goal.
“He did it right from the outset,” Cox said of Grundy’s dominance. “I thought his first couple of centre bounces, the way he jumped and attacked the ball and then provided his follow-up work – he was really, really impressive.”
Key Performances and Future Challenges
Tagger James Jordon also played a vital role in the decisive win, limiting West Coast star Harley Reid to just 17 disposals, one clearance, and 151 meters gained.
The Swans’ premiership credentials will be tested in their upcoming Gather Round clash against Gold Coast in Norwood on Saturday. Malcolm Rosas is in doubt after withdrawing from the West Coast game due to a calf injury, while Lewis Melican will be assessed after sustaining a shoulder injury against the Eagles.
