Marc Murphy says exciting young Blue Charlie Curnow can handle expectation

CHARLIE Curnow looked awesome in match simulation on Wednesday and he’s already a fan favourite. But how will he handle the hype from the Carlton faithful?

The Blues leadership group of Marc Murphy, Sam Docherty, Patrick Cripps, Kade Simpson, Ed Curnow, Matthew Kreuzer, Alex Silvagni and Lachie Plowman. Pic: Getty Images

MARC Murphy says Carlton will add an attacking layer to its game plan this year as he backed Charlie Curnow to handle the hype.

The 30-year was named Carlton’s captain for the sixth year, with future captaincy candidates Patrick Cripps and Sam Docherty his vice captains.

The reigning best-and-fairest winner leads an eight-man leadership group in a side that built a solid defensive foundation under Brendon Bolton in his first two years at the helm.

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The Blues haven’t scored 100 points in a game since Round 11, 2016 but Murphy promised fans would see a more rounded game plan as part of the maturation of the Baby Blues.

Curnow looked awesome in a match simulation game on Wednesday while key tall Harry McKay has shrugged off turf toe and continues to grow in excess of 200cm.

Carlton fans are aware this will be another year of growth but Murphy said fans impatient to see more goals will be sated.

“The first two years it may look like it’s a slow build on the outside, but we have worked really hard on our discipline in defence,’’ he said.

“It’s no surprise we are trying to bring some more attacking flair into our game and we have got some guys who have been training really well who have got a lot of talent in our forward line.

“We look forward to seeing what those guys can do and want to add another string to our bow to what we have worked hard on the last couple of years — strengthening up some of our attacking play.

“It is something we have been really focusing on.”

Curnow has Carlton hearts aflutter as he enters his third season but while he only turns 21 on Saturday, Murphy says the instant fame won’t divert him from the task at hand.

Jack Silvagni and Charlie Curnow are a key part of the Blues’ future. Pic: Getty Images

“He is a really grounded guy. He has a great family around him and he has a lot of support at the footy club and he is going to enjoy that expectation,’’ Murphy said.

“If you know him he’s really laid back but he’s also really excited about showing his talent.

“He can play deep forward or high forward or go through the midfield or run around on a wing. He has been training really well and I think we will see him all over the ground, he has certainly got the tank.”

In Docherty’s absence Murphy threw up Tom Williamson, David Cuningham, Cam O’Shea and Aaron Mullett as contenders to reinforce Carlton’s half back line.

Murphy famously had to prove himself to Bolton as a leader when he arrived from Hawthorn two years back but was the obvious choice as he comes off a superb season.

He has given no thoughts of when he might hand over the captaincy but says Cripps and Docherty shape as leaders for the next decade.

Marc Murphy is excited about what his club can produce in 2018. Pic: Getty Images

The exciting Charlie Curnow looked in great touch on Wednesday. Pic: Getty Images

The top trio are joined in the leadership group by Alex Silvagni. Lachie Plowman, Matthew Kreuzer, Kade Simpson and Ed Curnow.

But Murphy defended the size of the group in an era when premiers Richmond had just three players in their leadership group last year.

“We had eight guys who wanted to be leaders of this footy club and are leaders in their own way,” he said.

“Lachie Plowman has really stepped up with his voice and played some good footy ... Matty Kreuzer is someone you love playing with.

“So to have those guys along with Alex Silvagni, he’s a brutal beast, the big fella, so to have him in the leadership group is great.”