Ed Curnow to retire when Carlton's season ends

Ed Curnow (l), seen here celebrating a goal with brother Charlie, has announced his retirement. (Scott Barbour/AAP PHOTOS)

Three-time Carlton best clubman Ed Curnow will retire once their AFL finals series ends.

The 33-year-old midfielder, who also won the Spirit Of Carlton award in 2015, was in their player leadership group for six years.

As Curnow's honours suggest, his influence at the Blues has gone well beyond his 221 senior games.

His announcement comes in the same week his younger brother and teammate Charlie won his second-straight Coleman Medal at the league's top goalkicker.

“Footy clubs are built around good people like Ed Curnow,” coach Michael Voss said in a club statement.

“Ed meant so much to so many people who are connected to our football club and provided much-needed experience for the playing group.

"He’s been here through the tough times, put his body through a lot but the club will forever be a better place for having Ed Curnow as an integral part of it.

“Ed Curnow is a Carlton person, and the Curnow family are a Carlton family. It’s been a privilege to coach Ed in his final years at the Blues.”

Curnow started his AFL career the hard way - Adelaide recruited him through the rookie draft, but he was delisted without playing a game and then he also joined the Blues as a rookie-listed player.

He made his senior debut in 2011 and that year won his first best clubman award, which Curnow would earn again in '16 and '19.

The Blues life member was a top-three finisher in the club best-and-fairest voting from 2018-20.

“The people I've met, the friendships I’ve formed, the teammates past and present, the wider club and fan base, I will never forget how much you have accepted and supported me throughout my time here," Curnow said.

“A special thank you to my amazing wife Emily, my kids Will, Alice, James, and all my family. Your support my entire career has been unreal.

“It’s been a real highlight these past years to have my children in the rooms after the game and to play alongside my brother and their uncle Charlie is not something I will ever take for granted."

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