Sydney looks the most likely to broker a trade for Carlton forward Charlie Curnow, and Will Hayward appears central to negotiations.
Gold Coast is seemingly out of the Curnow race, given their heavy interest in successfully trading for Christian Petracca, as well as their preliminary interest in Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
Geelong, despite their uncanny ability to get difficult deals done, do not have the draft picks or willing players to send back up the highway to Ikon Park.
This leaves the Swans.
Hayward signed a five-year extension last year, but prior to his recommitment, he was fielding heavy interest from the Blues, as well as South Australia.
He remains linked to Carlton, given the previous interest, and could help unlock a trade for Curnow.
"You don't want to be somewhere where you're not wanted," Hayward told CodeSports.
"There are not many other clubs that I'd want to play for. I obviously spoke with Carlton last year. I really like Vossy.
"But the club hasn't asked me, so as far as I'm concerned, I'll still be here next year, hopefully playing with Charlie."
Sydney is hoping to find a suitable Lance Franklin replacement, after the legendary goalkicker retired at the end of 2023.
Joel Amartey and Hayden McLean have been holding down the fort, but through injury and form troubles, have failed to take meaningful strides towards stardom.
Former Pick 6 Logan McDonald sat out the entire 2025 season with a grumbly ankle, and once loomed as an exciting prospect, although he has yet to reach the heights of his potential.
Peter Ladhams and Aaron Francis have also been used up forward to fill the voids, as has Joel Hamling in defensive roles.
Promising youngster Jack Buller played nine games in 2025, but is poised to request a trade to Collingwood.
The 2025 free agency period opened on Friday, October 3, while the trade period opens on Monday, October 6.
