Carlton coach Michael Voss has dismissed concerns over the form of superstar forward Charlie Curnow amid criticism the back-to-back Coleman Medal winner is not doing enough to return the Blues to their winning ways.
Curnow was named in the Blues’ 23 on Friday night despite an ankle injury, but there are doubts whether he will be at 100 per cent for Sunday’s blockbuster at the MCG. A club spokesperson said Curnow completed the parts of training he needed to on Friday.
Charlie Curnow has been under an injury cloud ahead of Sunday’s Hawthorn clash.Credit: Getty Images
Curnow’s run of 66 games with a goal came to an end against Collingwood, a game in which he left the field in the final quarter with an ankle issue.
The injury concern comes amid criticism over Curnow’s recent performances and with pressure growing on the Blues, who after being second on the ladder for much of June and July could tumble out of the eight if they lose to the in-form Hawks.
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Curnow had booted 10 goals in his three games before last round, or 11 in his past five, but former North Melbourne star and respected analyst David King said the Blues needed more from their spearhead to be a flag contender.
Voss, though, mounted a strong defence of his man, saying the sample size was too small to suggest Curnow was in a rut. Only Greater Western Sydney forward Jesse Hogan, with 58, has booted more goals this year than Curnow (56), who remains firmly in contention for a third straight Coleman Medal.
“I tend to look at a body of work when I look at form,” Voss said on Friday morning. “The guy’s consistency over two or three years now that I’ve been here has been at an extremely high level.
“And I’m not trying to say this tongue in cheek or be smart. He’s won a couple of Coleman Medals, it shows that he’s been fairly consistent over a long period of time.
“So he has an off day, an off moment, that’s not unusual to anyone, but he’s important to us. He’s significant. He knows that.”
Curnow’s injury has affected his training this week. The Blues recalled small forward Zac Williams, four weeks after he injured his hamstring. Seen earlier this season as among the main premiership fancies, the Blues have one win from their past five games.
