Yes curnow runs - no doubt he is an elite runner.

But if his role is to run and spread, then I DONT see him as competing with mclean for a spot in the team. I'd see him losing his spot when walker is ready to come back in, or competing with armfield (ie one of them to be squeezed out by walker/warnock/duigan inclusions rather than mclean).

On goal assists - he is credited with 1 goal assist for the season. At this stage of the season, its a bit of a nothing stat this early in the season I'm happy to rewatch the brisbane game but would be surprised if he had goal assists (ie plural)

In being good in close - hence I highlighted the low clearance stats (2.5/game). Carazzo appears to be performing that role currently (7/game, = to judd)

Point of the thread was to query as to whether they are actually competing for the same spot.

If its run and carry - then I'd see curnow as competing with armfield, lucas etc

If its tagging - then the competition is carazzo, joseph etc

He is only competing against mclean/ellard if the role is about 1st posession/clearances. He isnt getting that many clearances.

Pros -

He spreads as well as any mid going around
Could easily take over the Carrazzo role should he lose favour
His contested possessions count is elite
He blocks well at stoppages, knows his role is to make the right guys look good
Big body - stands up well in the tackles

Cons -

His biggest asset, for mine is still largely his weakness. He gets to a ridiculous number of contests, but a large quantity of them, he's absolutely buggered and barely gets boot to ball, let alone an effective disposal. Feel its a development issue through his legs, which is only going to improve.

Is he a flavour of the month type? Will he become obsolete once teams move on from being fascinated with the press and spread?

Does he have the versatility to overcome this? Run with roles, he's been smashed. Not that great a kick to have off half back (especially in front of the 35687352 we already have), I don't think he's good enough overhead or that deadly enough in front of goal to become a defensive half forward either. One of the few advantages Ellard has over him.

For mine, he's slightly ahead of McLean, who I think will be downright valuable in that latter part of the year when the younger bodies fall by the way side. Beats Ellard on most counts, but think Ellard has a role to play in a horses for courses type role. Like the idea of Kreuzer replacing him, but think physically he's one, possibly two preseasons away from making that happen. Walker in there on a FT basis is perhaps a luxury we can't just afford yet either.

Good role player, albeit one with a limited shelf life.

_________________
BLUES 2010: PAV AND JUDD = FLAGS. DOING IT FOR THE LOVE OF DICK PRATT.

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR TALKINGCARLTON SUPERCOACH 2009 YET?

Let's not forget he's just 22. Still 3 years to make the final call, so long as he progresses.

_________________
29 different attributes,
And only 7 that you like;
20 ways to see the world,
Or 20 ways to start a fight.

It's a long season.
The role Curnow, Ellard, McLean play is physically taxing and not sustainable for 25 weeks of the year.
I'm sure that will play into the planning.
I'm sure that injury will play a big part in whose selected in the finals.

Kreuzer as a RR. I'm expecting it.
Our forwardline is kicking big scores, so where does Walker fit in. Forward and midfield I'd suspect.
Ratts will protect his players for their own good and use that to his advantage having the opposition coach secong guessing and plugging up holes...just my belief.

IMO Curnow gets to enough conteststo warrant selection and agree he's spent with at least 25% of them...probably the last 5 minutes of his spells...just guessing.

Ellard is worthy of selection imo. He's been injured. He has the heart for a contest. Joseph is also a finals player too imo...loves a contest....as does Army....and I'm sure Brock would put on a show in th finals if given the chance amongst this list. I reckon we can carry Brock's lack of pace if needed.

Curnow has taken the advantage from being first out the block for 2012.

Depth. Makes things tough for all players let alone the tough players.

_________________
Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

_________________
"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself" - Henry Ford

Good observation DN.
It's easy to forget how inexperienced Curnow is.
He makes a few goofs, but he gets to a lot contests too.
I reckon he's good value.

Nothing against Ellard or McLean though. If they can tear it up at VFL level for long enough I'm sure they'll get another opportunity at someones expense.

One of my favs young Eddie.

Always gives 120% which is all you can ask.

Best 22 imo.

_________________
I see you watching me watching you.

Its obvious what his role is, to help out at clearances so the classier players can do their thing on the outside. Its what we got Brock for, but he isn't what he used to be.

Seems to have lost strength in trying to build on his speed/endurance. I think he is a good depth player at best, though would love to be proven wrong.

Ellard is in a similar category, quite average, but a good solid type.

Curnow is the best of the 3, but he would need to improve further to have a lengthy career.

Premierships all have Curnow (hard, simple, gut runner mids) in them.
Give him a break!
He has to do a lot of grunt work.
Ellard and Brock will get there chance to get broken too.

_________________
They coud'nt.....could they?