'Massive relief': Charlie Curnow opens up on Carlton 'grudge match' after strong start with Swans

Charlie Curnow got the last laugh when it came to facing his former club, but that win did not outweigh his relief to have it over and done with.

All eyes were on Curnow as he stepped out in new colours against Carlton last week, with the Sydney Swans producing a remarkable 20.12 (132) to 10.9 (69) win at home.

The pressure on the key forward to perform well mounted over the week leading into the match, and tempers did flare between Curnow and his former teammates in the match.

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Even though it did feel odd to be battling his former teammates for the first time, Curnow conceded that he did expect the match could become hostile.

"Seeing the lads out there, I thought it would be a little bit of a scratchy match playing against all the old boys," he told 3AW's Wide World of Sports.

"It was a bit of grudge match ... it was a massive relief (to get the game over with) in the end. It was an enjoyable night, but also a bit of a stressful build-up.

"I was really excited to face the lads, but it does hit you all at once.

"I really enjoyed being able to run around with Malcom (Rosas) and Jye (Serong) who also debuted at the same time.

"We were lucky to have that really good second half."

While it was an intense build-up for the Opening Round match for Curnow, he has enjoyed settling into a new life both on and off the field in Sydney.

That is especially since he learned of the recent comments made by former Carlton skipper Sam Docherty about the club.

"It is a bit different, for sure. I feel like that has been blown up a bit down there," Curnow said of the situation.

"I still hear bits and pieces, but there is no one walking up to me at the dog park asking about Sam Docherty's comments on the weekend," he added laughing.

"I guess you hear about Sydney as a football club ... but nothing surprised me too much.

"It is an epic place to live and there are lots of cool places to visit. There are few characters here (at the club), that is for sure."

Aside from the different lifestyle and teammates surrounding him, Curnow recognised that his latest pre-season camp was vastly different to others in his past.

Last season, he underwent three surgeries on his knee and ankle which put him on the sidelines for most of the pre-season camp.

"Whenever you knock over a whole pre-season, you do feel good," he said.

"Last year that wasn't the case for me. I had three, not crazy surgeries ... but it really puts you on the backfoot for the start of the season.

"I have had an interrupted part in January which was good. It is the reality of getting a new job that you get a lot more energy. It was good timing for me."

Curnow will return with the Swans on Saturday when they host the Brisbane Lions.