Curnow could tread a Dusty AFL path

Jun 21, 2017 - 7:46 AM The last time Richmond played Carlton in round one, Dustin Martin racked up 33 possessions, four goals and three guaranteed AFL Brownlow Medal votes.

The last time Blues midfielder Ed Curnow had a tagging role, he restricted Gold Coast star Gary Ablett to 25 disposals in Saturday's 10-point win.

But Curnow says he is yet to know his assignment for Sunday's match against the Tigers at the MCG, where the emerging Blues are chasing their third-straight win.

And even if he does know, Curnow would not dare give anything away.

"I've had Cotch (Richmond captain Trent Cotchin) before and he's a very good player inside. Dustin is having a great year," Curnow said.

"So I will play a straight bat on this one, I don't know who I will get."

Curnow and his teammates put plenty of physical work into Ablett and he respects how the Brownlow Medallist coped with the attention.

If Curnow goes to Martin, he aims to make it impossible for the Tigers star to use his famous fend-off.

"Hopefully I'm a bit closer so he can't even extend the arm," Curnow said.

"I do enjoy it ... it's my role and it suits me.

"I quite enjoy playing on the best players in the competition and trying to nullify their influence."

Martin was below his best in Saturday's narrow loss to Sydney and looked proppy after the game.

Coach Damien Hardwick admits the star was sore, but warns he will back to full fitness against Carlton.

"He played okay, without probably playing to the usual standard we expect, but he'll be better this week," he said.

"He's had a good week on the track thus far.

"He's fine - last week he may have been sore, but this week he's a lot better."

Martin's playing future is always a hot topic, with the midfielder becoming eligible for restricted free agency at the end of the season.

Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said on the weekend they hope for some indication from Martin soon, but Hardwick is unfussed.

Hardwick notes Martin can be eligible for free agency every season if it prompts his current form.

"It doesn't affect me one way or the other," Hardwick said.

"I'm prepared to wait as long as it takes for him to make his decision.

"That's his right as a player, I respect that. I'm just happy he's playing some great footy for our footy club - he's been fantastic for us this year."

Source: AAP