Surgery for Curnow as Blues Confirm List Changes: A Major Offseason Shift for Carlton Football Club
The Carlton Football Club, commonly known as the Blues, has made significant offseason announcements that will shape their upcoming 2024 Australian Football League (AFL) campaign. One of the standout pieces of news is that Charlie Curnow, the club’s spearhead and one of the AFL’s premier forwards, will undergo surgery. Alongside this revelation, the Blues also confirmed a series of list changes, setting the stage for the next phase in the club’s evolution as they seek to build on their progress.
Charlie Curnow, who has been pivotal for Carlton over the past few seasons, will undergo surgery during the offseason. The procedure, while not an emergency operation, is seen as a precautionary measure to ensure the star forward can perform at his peak in 2024 and beyond.
Curnow, who won the AFL’s Coleman Medal for the second consecutive year in 2023 as the league’s top goal-kicker, has been a crucial part of Carlton’s resurgence in recent seasons. His 78 goals in the 2023 season not only helped the Blues to their first finals appearance in a decade but also showcased his value as one of the most dominant forwards in the game. However, despite his brilliance on the field, Curnow has had a history of injury troubles, particularly with his knees. The surgery is expected to address minor issues and prevent any potential complications in the future.
According to the club’s medical staff, Curnow’s operation is a minor arthroscopic procedure, which will allow him to return to full training during the preseason. It’s a proactive step by Carlton to ensure their prized forward is in top condition as they look to mount a serious challenge for the premiership in the coming years.
Blues’ coach Michael Voss expressed confidence in Curnow’s ability to bounce back quickly from the surgery, stating, “Charlie’s had an incredible couple of seasons, and this surgery is just about making sure he can continue to perform at that level. He’s a key part of our future, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to support him and ensure he’s fully fit for 2024.”
In addition to Curnow’s surgery, Carlton also confirmed a series of list changes, marking a period of transition for the club. As the Blues look to refine their squad and make the necessary adjustments to push further into finals contention, several players have been delisted or moved on from the club.
The club announced that they would not be renewing the contracts of several fringe players, including veterans and younger talent who have struggled to break into the senior side consistently. This decision is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the list with fresh talent and develop players who can complement the club’s core group of stars, including Curnow, Patrick Cripps, and Sam Walsh.
Among the players departing are seasoned defender Lachie Plowman, who has been a solid contributor for the Blues since joining the club in 2016. Plowman played over 140 games for Carlton, providing reliable service in the backline, but the Blues have decided to move in a different direction with younger defensive options coming through the ranks.
Additionally, the Blues have delisted several younger players, including Sam Philp and Liam Stocker. While both players showed promise, particularly Stocker, who was a first-round draft pick in 2018, they were unable to establish themselves as regulars in the senior side. The decision to part ways with them reflects the club’s desire to bring in new talent that aligns with their long-term vision.
Carlton’s head of list management, Nick Austin, emphasized the difficulty of making these decisions but acknowledged the importance of refreshing the list to stay competitive in the ever-evolving AFL landscape. “These decisions are never easy, especially when it involves players who have given a lot to the club,” Austin said. “But we’re focused on building a list that can deliver sustained success, and sometimes that means making tough calls. We’re excited about the talent we have coming through and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
With these list changes, Carlton is now in a strong position to enter the AFL trade and draft periods with flexibility and a clear strategy. The Blues are expected to be active during the trade period, targeting specific areas that need strengthening, particularly in the ruck and midfield departments.
There have been rumors circulating that the Blues are interested in securing a high-profile ruckman to support Tom De Koning, who has shown great promise but requires additional support. Additionally, Carlton is reportedly keen on adding depth to their midfield to ease the burden on captain Patrick Cripps and emerging star Sam Walsh. The club has been linked to several out-of-contract players, and fans are eager to see which reinforcements will be brought in.
The AFL Draft will also be a key component of Carlton’s offseason strategy, as the club looks to bring in young talent to develop alongside their established stars. The Blues hold several draft picks that could be used to secure promising prospects or packaged as part of trade deals to acquire experienced players who can have an immediate impact.
Carlton’s 2023 season was seen as a breakthrough, with the club finally returning to finals football after years of frustration. The challenge now is to build on that momentum and take the next step toward premiership contention. The surgery for Charlie Curnow and the confirmed list changes signal that the Blues are not content with standing still.
For Curnow, the surgery represents an opportunity to ensure he remains at the peak of his powers for years to come. If he can return fully fit and continue his goal-scoring exploits, Carlton will have one of the most dangerous forward lines in the competition, especially with the support of Harry McKay, who forms a formidable partnership with Curnow.
The list changes, while difficult for some players, are a clear sign that Carlton is serious about building a team capable of sustained success. The focus on bringing in new talent, both through the draft and trades, is a calculated move to address the club’s weaknesses and provide greater depth across all areas of the ground.
As the 2024 season approaches, Blues fans have every reason to be optimistic. With a fit Charlie Curnow, a rejuvenated list, and a club determined to rise further up the ladder, Carlton is poised to be a force in the AFL for years to come.
The decision for Curnow to undergo surgery, combined with Carlton’s strategic list changes, underscores the club’s commitment to future success. While the offseason will bring new faces and departures, the Blues are focused on refining their squad for a premiership run. With Curnow at the helm and a revamped list, 2024 could well be a defining year for Carlton Football Club as they chase the ultimate prize: AFL glory.
