His season was cut short when he broke his leg in Round 13, missing the Hawks' last eight games; nevertheless, he had already polled enough votes to win the Box Hill best and fairest (the Col Austen Trophy),[7] and he finished third in the J. J. Liston Trophy, after holding a comfortable lead at the time of his injury.

[1] After impressing in the pre-season, Curnow became the club's nominated rookie,[10] and he made his debut for the Blues in Round 1 of the 2011 season against Richmond at the MCG.

[12][13] Over the following years, and particularly under the coaching of Mick Malthouse between 2013 and mid-2015, Curnow made a name as a reliable tagger.

Champion Data rated him to be the second best tagger in the league in 2013,[14] and he finished fourth in the club's best and fairest that year,[15] as well as in 2015.

[19] Curnow was a mainstay of Carlton's midfield over the following years, finishing second in the club best and fairest in 2019,[20] and third in 2018[21] and 2020.