Charlie Curnow’s “ideal world” as destination preferences laid bare: AFL trade news

Carlton spearhead Charlie Curnow hasn't officially requested a trade away from the club, but is believed to want a fresh start.

Beachside clubs Geelong, Gold Coast and Sydney are believed to be the teams that Curnow would prefer to move to, albeit with a vast level of difficulty given he is under contract until the end of 2029.

The Suns have remained quiet, although it is understood that they are keen on bringing the two-time Coleman medallist to Queensland, but not at the expense of any academy prospects such as Jed Walter or Ethan Read.

The Swans and coach Dean Cox met with the key forward before he jetted off overseas, but will not use the likes of Errol Gulden, Isaac Heeney or Nick Blakey in negotiations.

And Geelong, who almost always find a way to get a deal done, may struggle this year to move enough pieces to welcome the local product.

However, with that in mind, from Curnow's perspective, veteran journalist Damien Barrett said that the Blues tall would prefer to remain in Victoria, before contemplating a move to the Gold Coast or Sydney, in that order.

"In Charlie Curnow's ideal world, Geelong, Gold Coast, Sydney," Barrett said on Triple M.

"I expect those three clubs to somehow get involved. I don't know how Geelong does it... of the three, that's the hardest to get done, but that's where he wants to go first.

"But one of the other two, by the close of play by trade period, by October 15, will have executed a deal to get him."

The Cats won't want to deal Shannon Neale and don't have enough draft capital to get a Curnow deal completed.

Carlton doesn't have a first-round pick after trading it away to land Jagga Smith, with their first 2025 selection currently Pick 35, but they'll receive a stronger hand once compensation for Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni is confirmed.

Geelong's hand (18, 36, 54, 72) won't be enough to satisfy the Blues, while the Suns (6, 13, 16, 31, 56, 67) have a host of academy talents they'll need picks for.

Sydney (9, 27, 45, 63) has a first-round pick and could look to trade players who will interest Carlton, such as Will Hayward and Tom Papley, although the latter vehemently dismissed any possible move earlier this month.