Charlie Curnow is in pursuit of a third Coleman Medal after a dominant performance on 7 July 2026, as coach Luke Beveridge’s recent positional shuffle appears to have stalled the Western Bulldogs’ forward thrust.
What sparked the chase?
Curnow kicked six goals in Carlton’s round‑18 win over the Bulldogs, pushing his season tally to 68 and putting him level with the leading goalkickers. The tally puts him within striking distance of the Coleman, which he previously secured in 2022 and 2023. His accuracy and strength inside the 50‑metre arc have reignited talk of a record‑breaking campaign.
Why Beveridge’s move backfired
On the same night, Beveridge moved veteran forward Jack Macrae to the midfield, hoping to boost clearance numbers. Instead, the Bulldogs struggled to create forward pressure, managing only two scoring shots in the final quarter. The shift left a gap in the attacking line, allowing Carlton’s defence to dominate the contest.
How this affects the Coleman race
With Curnow’s six‑goal haul, he now trails the current leader, Essendon’s Tom Hawkins, by just three goals. At 27 years old, Curnow’s consistency across the season has made him the benchmark for key forwards. If he maintains this form, the 2026 Coleman could become his third, a feat achieved by only a handful of AFL legends.
What’s next for the Bulldogs?
Beveridge is expected to revisit his forward structure ahead of the next round against the Adelaide Crows. Sources say he may reinstate former captain Patrick Cripps to the forward line to restore balance. Meanwhile, Curnow will face a stern test against a revitalised Bulldogs defence, which will look to tighten the tunnel and limit his impact.
How fans are reacting
Carlton supporters flooded social media with “Curnow for Coleman” hashtags, while Bulldogs fans expressed frustration, calling the midfield switch a “mis‑step”. The debate highlights the fine margins that separate a winning strategy from a costly gamble in modern AFL.
What the numbers say
Curnow’s 68 goals rank third in the league’s all‑time season list for a forward under 30. His conversion rate sits at 71 %, well above the league average of 58 %. These metrics underline why he remains the prime candidate for the award, despite the Bulldogs’ defensive resurgence.
Looking ahead
The next few rounds will determine whether Curnow can clinch the Coleman and whether Beveridge can correct his tactical error. Both narratives will shape the AFL landscape as the season heads into its crucial final stretch.