Curtin played for the Claremont Football Club in his junior career. Curtin was selected in the All-Australian team after the 2023 AFL Under 18 Championships and captained the Claremont Colts team to the 2023 premiership.[2] He excelled at both senior and State level throughout the 2023 season.[3]
Curtin was selected by Adelaide at pick number 8 in the 2023 national draft[1] after the Crows traded up in a deal with Greater Western Sydney which saw them give up pick number 11 and 15 in return for pick number 8 and 17. Curtin seemed a perfect suitor for Adelaide, who were lacking defensive height due to the departure of Tom Doedee and the injuries of Nick Murray and Jordon Butts. A versatile player who played as a defender, forward and midfield during his junior career,[5] Curtin was projected to be a top 5 pick but dropped down to pick number 8.[6][7]
His long-awaited debut was announced on 30 April, 2024, two days prior to the round 8 Showdown versus Port Adelaide.[8] He was the last of the first nine 2023 national draftees to make their debut. Playing as a tall half-back, Curtin debuted with 9 disposals in 56% time on ground. He was substituted off tactically at three quarter time and replaced by veteran Brodie Smith. It wasn't until round 22 against the Western Bulldogs that Curtin played an entire game without being substituted, and he made it count by kicking his first two career goals as well as creating three clearances.[9]
