Is it time for Carlton to consider trading rising forward Charlie Curnow?
The 23-year old a suffered a fresh setback to his right knee last week that will likely rule him out for the rest of the season, even if games are played through December.
It is the same knee that sidelined him for two months last season, therefore you would expect the Blues to take the conservative approach with their budding star.
“It remains difficult to determine if Charlie will be ready to play this season, however, it does appear more unlikely than likely," Blues Head of Football Brad Lloyd told carltonfc.com.au.
"We will continue to manage the situation to ensure the long-term interests of Charlie and his time in the game are protected, while also supporting him throughout this time as he continues his recovery.”
Despite being one of the brightest young prospects in the league, Curnow has struggled to get his body right during his four-year career.
Speaking on SEN, former AFL greats Garry Lyon and Tim Watson weighed up whether the Blues should consider fielding trade offers.
"Would it be in the realms of possibility that you'd be thinking about trading Charlie Curnow?", Lyon asked.
Watson replied: "Not only would you not be thinking about trading Charlie, but would you be thinking about recruiting Charlie Curnow right now? What sort of a market would there be for Charlie Curnow right now, given where he's at health wise with his knee? I'm not sure that there would be a big market for him right now.
Lyon ultimately believes the Blues should stick by their man in the hope that he delivers on his enormous potential.
"I'm not sure that you'd be thinking about trading Charlie Curnow," the former Demons captain said.
"I think you'd be backing yourself to get him right in hope that he turns into a once-in-a-generation forward for the Blues."
