Earlier this month at the Sydney Swans AFL Awards night, two generations of Swans united to reflect on the 2026 season (from both a player and fan point of view), but also to reflect on legacy and key teachings that continue to be shared between two of Sydney’s influential key forwards.
2005 Premiership-winning Swans legend Barry Hall awarded Charlie Curnow the Coleman Medal after the forward finished the year with 69 goals in the regular season. It’s the 29-year-old's third time he has claimed this accolade and caps off a stellar first season in the red and white.
“What a great year he's had,” Hall said.
“It's been a great addition for the Swans. We've always had some really good key forwards, and it's great to have this bloke on board.”
Curnow, a big admirer of Hall growing up, has learnt a lot from one of the Swans' best goal scorers. Both from watching him in his playing days, but even more now since his move up to Sydney and being able to get personal advice from the Swans great.
“The big bad Baz. [I] used to watch a lot of his football when I was younger, and I think he put together over 700 goals or something like that,” Curnow said.
“An amazing player, and I spent a lot of my time watching Barry and the likes of Tom and Lance playing football.”
Just as Hall inspired Curnow growing up, Curnow is now inspiring the next generation of AFL players, including Barry’s son Miller, who famously celebrated Curnow’s second goal in the qualifying final against the Lions by waving his shirt over his head, catching the attention of the crowd and wider TV audiences.
The emotion and passion displayed by Miller is actually one of the main contributing factors as to why Hall has fallen back in love with AFL. As he now gets to watch and enjoy the game through their eyes and their passion for the red and white.
“Miller's a great energy. He does it every goal, and you wouldn't believe that,” Hall said.
“I'm thankful because the kids have actually brought me back to footy. I love watching them watch it. It's been really nice. The kids are absolutely obsessed with it. We live and breathe footy in our household now.
“I'm glad that they've gravitated towards themselves and it's not me pushing it, which I never would. It’s worked out perfectly. They're Swannies boys, and they'll certainly be cheering on next year.”
Changing mindset towards 2027, Curnow is excited about the prospect of building upon his 2026 campaign, and Hall is optimistic that fans haven’t seen the best of Charlie just yet.
“He's had a great year, but probably the scary thing about Charlie is he could get a lot better. I think he can really improve on what he's done and that's a scary prospect, because he's had a fantastic year this year,” Hall said.
“I mean, it's awesome. I love getting messages from the greats like Barry and getting any tips along the way. It's been such an awesome year,” Curnow said.
