Ed Curnow will captain the Club for the first time when he leads the Blues onto Optus Stadium this Sunday afternoon.

The beloved midfielder will takes the reigns in place of injured co-captains Sam Docherty and Patrick Cripps, in what is the perfect acknowledgement of a player who has earned everything throughout his playing career.

Curnow began his AFL career after being selected by the Adelaide Crows with pick 40 in the 2008 Rookie Draft. He was unable to find a spot in the senior team, and returned to play with the Box Hill Hawks in the VFL in 2009 where he spent two seasons refining his craft as a midflieder.

The 29-year old’s determination and hardwork didn’t go unnoticed, and he received his second opportunity at the top level after being drafted by the Blues in the 2011 rookie draft.

From then Curnow has gone on to be a stalwart of the Carlton side, being named a two-time best Clubman (2013 & 2016) and member of the leadership group since 2016.

Now, after 153 games, he will captain the Club and nobody could deny it is an honour he truly deserves.