It has been revealed that North Melbourne tabled an offer to Carlton for Charlie Curnow as negotiations between the Blues and Sydney briefly stalled.
During Wednesday's deadline day, the Ikon Park club initially rejected the Swans' offer for Curnow, leaving the door slightly ajar for a rival to swoop.
The two-time Coleman medallist was linked to Gold Coast and Geelong for the past few weeks, but both were preoccupied with other deals they were prioritising, leaving the Kangaroos primed to pounce.
As part of the negotiations, North Melbourne acknowledged that the deal would also include selections received for captain Jy Simpkin, if Collingwood came to the party.
According to AFL Media's Cal Twomey, the Arden Street club "would be willing to offer their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, as well as any collateral they would have got for Simpkin, to throw at the two-time Coleman medallist".
The Pies initially offered a future first-round pick for the skipper and Pick 46. It was rejected. Then they came with a future second-round selection. North Melbourne exited the building (Marvel Stadium), and with that, any hope of luring Curnow.
Sydney and Carlton were eventually able to shake hands on a deal which on paper, looks suitable for both organisations.
After Geelong had a historic three first-round picks – its 2025, 2026 and 2027 selections – which the Blues knocked back the following day for Curnow, the bar was set.
Coming down to the 7:30pm (AEDT) Wednesday deadline, a mega trade saw two players and six picks used to complete the transaction.
Curnow joined Sydney, along with Pick 31, 42 and the Blues' 2027 second-round pick.
Hayward arrived at Ikon Park with Sydney's first round selections from 2025, 2026 and 2027.
