AFL players reveal the game’s next stars

Published by
Stephen Marson

Carlton's Charlie Curnow is set to become one of the game's elite stars in 2018, according to the players themselves as part of the Players' Top 50 poll.

The survey has been conducted for the past five years, with 22% of players voting the Carlton forward at the top of the list for breakout starts of 2018.

Curnow beat out Giants midfielder Jacob Hopper (13%) and Adelaide's Mitch McGovern (11%), with Brisbane duo Eric Hipwood (8%) and Harris Andrews (7%) rounding out the top five.

The 21-year-old played all but one game for the Blues in his second season with the club last year, averaging 14.1 disposals, 5.7 marks and booting 20 goals for the campaign.

Carlton coach Brendon Bolton said Curnow would play through the midfield at stages during the 2018 season, which would add another feather to his already promising bow.

Hopper played 13 games last season after missing some time with finger and ankle injuries, although he did play in the Giants' final seven games of the season.

McGovern excited Crows fans late last year when he re-signed despite strong interest from Western Australian clubs, while Hipwood and Andrews already seem cornerstones of Brisbane's team for the future.

The Players' Top 50 will be unveiled on Wednesday, March 7.

Published by
Stephen Marson