STRENGTHS:

+ Competitiveness
+ Contested marking
+ Physicality
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Strength
+ Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Running power
- Speed

Curtin is a powerful presence and hardly loses a physical jostle when the ball enters his area. Particularly as a key forward, his sheer size makes opponents panic and if he can't mark, he'll draw free kicks. Not only does he rack up opportunities, but he makes the opposition pay with reliable conversion. He slotted 32.9 in nine WAFL Colts appearances this season, proving an absolute deadeye in front of goal.

His scoreboard impact was profound nearly every week in Claremont colours. Curtin's nine appearances included three hauls of five goals, and two bags of six - including one in the winning Grand Final. There isn't much defenders can do to stop him when on song, as he reads the ball well to get into position early, and is extremely difficult to move off his line. From there, he has vice-like hands and will absorb contact without fuss.

Scoring is a major facet in getting Curtin up and running. He had his share of quieter games throughout the season, but only needed a small sniff to get going. Big contested marks and important goals are central to his confidence in that sense. If he can get a couple early, look out, because he's a difficult player to contain when he builds a full head of steam. It's go big or go home with him, and he celebrates with gusto when on top.

Credit to terrific craft and bodywork, Curtin has made the forwardline his home. Although, such physicality and size has also translated well in a secondary ruck role. He may not cover the ground as quickly as other more athletic types, but provides a contest at 200cm and can clunk marks down the line. He hits hard and can be seen chasing even harder at times, even if speed isn't his strong suit. The intensity and aggression are often there.

Somewhat forgotten is Curtin's proven ability as a key defender. He made his way in the state setup last year by doing solid jobs on eventual draftees like Jack Whitlock and Charlie Nicholls, leaning on his competitiveness and aerial ability to shut them down. Being so physically ready also helped hold up against more senior opposition. That latter factor became even more glaring this year, which is why recruiters wanted to see him at senior level.

The main concern with Curtin revolves around his speed, and ability to cover the ground. While he performed well in the national combine's 2km time trial, he can sometimes rely on his size to impact games or dine out on less developed opponents. Not through a lack of effort to get up the ground, he does much of his work deep inside 50 and will be tested once matched for size and strength at senior level.

As much was evident when he stepped up to take on VFL-level opposition with the AFL Academy, or in two games against East Fremantle where over-ager Jye Sander kept him to a single goal each time. He will need to find other ways to get involved when his marking and goalkicking are shut down, and being able to move with the increasing pace of the game will be central to that. Still, he's so dangerous one-out close to goal.