Carlton midfielder Ed Curnow has joined the AFL Players’ Association Board ahead of the 2019 season.

After five years as Carlton’s AFLPA delegate, Curnow will join the Board for what will be his ninth AFL season.

The 29-year-old said he was excited to join the AFLPA board.

“Having secured a share of industry revenue in 2017, this year will be another big one in tackling a number of priorities for players and the industry, and I’m excited to help us continue growing the code,” Curnow said.

Curnow is widely known for his work ethic and his ability to get the best out of himself. These attributes saw Curnow elevated to the Blues’ leadership group in 2016 and becoming a staple in the Carlton line-up.

A new role for Ed in 2019 could see these two brothers become even closer. #BoundByBlue — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) February 26, 2019

The endearing midfielder has made the most of his second chance in the AFL, after initially being drafted by Adelaide in 2008. His resilience and determination saw him selected by the Blues with pick No.18 in the 2011 Rookie Draft after several standout seasons at VFL level.

Since then, Curnow has gone onto play 143 games in the Navy Blue, as well as kicking 27 goals. He achieved a career-best standing in the John Nicholls Medal in 2018, finishing equal-third alongside younger brother Charlie.

After taking on co-captaincy of the Blues alongside Patrick Cripps, Sam Docherty has stood down from his position as the AFLPA Board’s vice-president.

Docherty started out as a player delegate on the Board in 2015 before being voted onto the board in 2017. He was ultimately elevated to vice-president in 2018.