FOR SO long, Charlie Curnow had his sights set on that landmark breakthrough game.

That came last season in Round 20 against St Kilda, marking the end of a wait which transpired over two years.

But after such a long time between drinks and so much focus on that return game, the need to back it up and go again each week posed a different challenge for the key forward.

Pleasingly for the 25-year-old, he believes that he’s now getting the continuity he needs to impact at AFL level once again.

That was evidenced with a five-goal performance against Port Adelaide on Sunday, including the match-sealing major.

Answering former captain Marc Murphy’s question on ABC Grandstand about where his body and mindset was at, Curnow offered his response — while also providing some trademark cheek.

“Backing it up, I’m not used to it,” Curnow said.

“I had two years on the sidelines, talking with my parents and your [Murphy’s] parents about what we should do better!

“It’s been a challenge, but I’m starting to get a good rhythm now. I’m getting good routine during the week.

“I had guys like [Murphy] and ‘Simmo’ to look up to in terms of what I needed to focus on and get yourself back ready for a game… and try and not follow Ed around too much.”

Curnow has now kicked 14 goals in his last four games, while key forward partner Harry McKay was once again hugely influential against Port Adelaide.

It was just the 31st game the pairing have played together since arriving in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.

Having experienced some difficult times since his arrival at IKON Park, Curnow said it was important to not lose sight of the positives.

“It’s four points at the end of the day and they’re so bloody important to us as a football club. It’s important not to lose sight of that,” he said.

“We didn’t win the way we wanted to. Port was really good to get itself back into the game.

“But well done to the fellas: they put their hearts on the line in the last quarter and got the win.”