Star forward Charlie Curnow has reportedly amplified his push for a trade out of Carlton, with the spearhead key forward reiterating to the club his desire to engineer a move away from the Melbourne footy bubble.
According to AFL Media's Cal Twomey, Curnow returned from a holiday in the United States last week and confirmed his trade request to the Blues shortly thereafter.
As a result, Curnow's three "ideal" suitors - Geelong, Gold Coast and Sydney - are now weighing up potential trade packages to offer the Blues when the 2025 Trade Period opens on October 6.
Twomey revealed Gold Coast are "exploring ways to get involved" in the Curnow sweepstakes without having to part ways with Bailey Humphrey, Jed Walter or Ethan Read - a young trio that rapidly developed for the Suns over the course of their historic 2025 campaign.
Humphrey was an x-factor for the Suns in their elimination final thriller against Fremantle, kicking three goals and recording six score involvements from just 10 disposals. Walter and Read both showed immense growth in their second AFL seasons as a pair of elite support pillars for star forward Ben King inside 50. Walter kicked 18 majors in 16 senior matches this season while Read kicked 19 in 21 games.
The Suns may turn to using their strong draft hand to make a play for Curnow, holding Picks 6, 13 and 16 in the first round. However, with a plethora of Northern Academy prospects headlining the top end of the National Draft, the Suns will need to figure out what they plan to prioritise before making any calls.
Twomey stated that Sydney's first round selection, which currently is Pick 9, "will be the starting point to its bid" for the two-time Coleman medallist but it's likely Carlton will want some established talent in return for the 28-year-old, considering the number of years remaining on Curnow's contract.
Ollie Florent remains a player of interest for the Blues from the Swans' list, though Twomey highlighted Florent is "not pushing for a trade".
Geelong emerging star Shannon Neale has been linked in trade packages for Curnow, however has been told by the Cats that he is not for sale and won't be "going anywhere".
