New Skipper?

[DJC]

There's a great article on Ed Curnow in today's Age.

I have put it here because it covers Murph's captaincy too.

"I really wanted to get in and help Murph - it can't be all on him," said Curnow, a 26-year-old whose presence in an expanded seven-man group is testament to the multi-layered benefits of hard work, which not only brings results but also makes you an exemplar for others to follow.

"Last year there was the media, scrutiny from fans and in-club a bit too. He was copping it, and I saw that first hand. It would have been really hard for him emotionally, as it was for a lot of us players, going out there and getting smashed. But he was copping the brunt of everything that came with losing.

"Just to be a real support for him, I'm pumped about being there for him."

. . .

Discarded by Adelaide after a game-less rookie season in 2008, given a second chance by the Blues after two years with Box Hill in the VFL, and noted more for his supreme workrate than abundant natural talent, Curnow epitomises leadership in its simplest form.

"I'm passionate about Carlton. I want us to do well, and anything I can do to improve the club, my teammates, I'll do it," said Curnow, who did not hesitate to put his name forward when nominations were called for last month.

"I think I connect well with a broad range of players. My standards at training and in games is high. I think the group's chosen me because they want me to keep driving those standards and values that we've chosen as a group."

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-ed-curn...z40IDYpOZm

I wasn't really expecting Curnow to be in the leadership group, but after reading that, I'm glad he is.  I suppose it just shows how we're really guessing when it comes to evaluating leadership from the sidelines.