AS FAR as his decade in Navy Blue is concerned, one moment in 2019 will go down as Ed Curnow’s career highlight.

Recognised for his performance this season as runner up in the 2019 John Nicholls Medal, Curnow finished his campaign strongly. 

Averaging 23 disposals, five tackles and five clearances, Curnow finished just five votes behind three-time club champion Patrick Cripps.

The standout of his year came in the Blues’ Round 15 victory over Fremantle, when Curnow shouldered the captaincy in the absence of Cripps and Sam Docherty.

“I was extremely grateful to get that opportunity to be the captain for two rounds and it was probably my greatest memory playing footy to date,” Curnow said on Friday night.

“It was just a really special feeling and at quarter time I was pretty panicky to be honest, but ‘Teaguey’ set us straight and we were able to wheel in a victory.”

It was the exclamation point on a career-best season for the veteran, who went one better than his third-placed finish in 2018 (alongside brother Charlie).

Eager to continue in bringing team success alongside an emerging group, Curnow took the opportunity to thank the Club and share his excitement for the future.

“I love it. I’ve loved every minute of my 10 seasons, so I really enjoy everything that goes along with being a footballer,” he said.

“Being around the Club, being around the players, being around the staff upstairs, working closely with the coaches, going through your game, working out ways to improve.”

Looking ahead, the experienced Blue believes the current group has what it takes to lead Carlton to greater on-field success in 2020 and beyond.

“I feel very privileged to have been in this position at such a great football club that has such a rich history of supporters, membership and premierships,” he said.

“We’re working really hard to get back there and I’m loving every bit of the journey.”