Charlie Curnow will return for Carlton's showdown with Hawthorn, but coach Michael Voss has cautioned against expecting the spearhead to be the Blues' savior. Just one game into the season, pressure has mounted on Carlton following their unfathomable defeat to Richmond after blowing a 41-point lead against the wooden-spoon favorite. The review that followed was honest and direct, but Voss isn't panicking ahead of Thursday night's clash with the red-hot Hawks at the MCG.
Curnow struggled with knee issues over the summer after being plagued by an ankle injury at the end of last season, leading to major surgery. "It does help that he's got an extra week under his belt," Voss said of the dual Coleman medalist on Wednesday. "Possibly could have (played) last week, but I think it definitely would have been pulling the trigger too early."
Voss emphasized Curnow's readiness, stating, "He's well and truly ready. He's just really clear and excited about being able to get back out there. He's a performer." However, he did make it clear that Curnow alone would not turnaround the team’s fortunes. "We're not in this conversation around that one person is going to make a difference here. What makes a difference is that when we stay connected as an 18-man team (on the field). We've spoken a lot about squad mentality, and essentially, that's what gets the job done."
Defending the use of dual Brownlow medalist Patrick Cripps as a second ruck, Voss ensured that the strategy wasn't new, as Cripps took the second-most ruck contests (14) against Richmond, only behind No.1 big man Tom De Koning. "I would imagine he would play there still a little bit from time to time," Voss explained. "Maybe the fact that it's 'Crippa', it gets a little bit more attention. But I think you'll notice a lot of second rucks having varying size about them."
With a "fair bit of honesty" in the review of their 13-point loss, Voss recognized the need for the team to respond positively to the defeat. After playing finals for the last two seasons, the Blues are in a window where they can challenge to end the club's 30-year premiership drought. "You don't have to necessarily tell them certain things, but we also have to be able to be big enough to accept that the standards weren't acceptable," Voss remarked. "So we don't miss that, and then we also don't miss the reinforcement or the opportunity to be able to look at what actually worked well."
Despite the disastrous round 1 loss to Richmond where they conceded a 41-point lead, Voss assured that the Blues would not adjust their strategy for the in-form Hawthorn on Thursday night. "We're really confident on the body of work we've been able to complete over the pre-season," Voss affirmed. "I couldn't be more impressed with our prep, that (result) seemed a bit unusual what turned up to me."
Voss emphasized that while it is clear the team needs to be consistent regardless of the circumstances, the loss does not necessitate an overhaul in strategy. "It needs some strong leadership; when you’ve been rehearsing something for a long period of time and seen it work and execute. We just need to make sure we transfer it on the weekend," he elaborated.
The impending return of Charlie Curnow, recovering from the pre-season ankle injury, serves as both a boost and caution. Voss mentioned that Curnow is "well and truly ready" and could have participated last week but believes that would have been premature. Curnow's excitement to return is palpable. "He's really excited and keen to get out there. He's a performer but again we're not in this conversation around one person is going to make a difference here. Clearly, what makes the difference is when we stay connected as an 18-man team and we've spoken a lot about squad mentality," Voss reiterated.
A loss against Hawthorn could add pressure on the Blues with matches against the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood looming in subsequent rounds. The anticipated clash thus holds immense significance as the Blues seek to restore confidence and momentum in their campaign.
