Breaking: Carlton Strikes Gold – The Blues Secure One of the AFL’s Greatest Trade Hauls for Charlie Curnow

Carlton Strikes Gold: The Blues Secure One of the AFL’s Greatest Trade Hauls for Charlie Curnow

In a blockbuster deal that sent shockwaves through the AFL world on the final day of the 2025 trade period, Carlton has traded dual Coleman Medal winner Charlie Curnow to the Sydney Swans for a package widely regarded as one of the richest returns in league history. The Blues, holding firm on their star forward’s $1 million-plus contract through 2029, extracted three future first-round draft picks and proven forward Will Hayward from the Swans, reshaping their list for years to come.The trade, finalized in the frantic final hour before the 7:30pm AEDT deadline, sees Sydney acquire Curnow—along with Carlton’s picks 31 and 42 in the 2025 draft, plus the Blues’ second-round selection in 2027—in exchange for Hayward and Sydney’s first-round picks in 2025, 2026, and 2027. It’s a haul that eclipses even the most ambitious bids floated during the period, including Geelong’s earlier rejected offer of three straight first-rounders.

The Road to Deadline-Day DramaCurnow’s desire to leave Carlton had simmered since his season-ending exit interview in late August, where he reportedly expressed a wish for a fresh start despite his long-term deal.

The 28-year-old, who booted a league-leading 64 goals in 2022 and another 74 in 2023 to claim back-to-back Coleman Medals, endured an injury-plagued 2025 campaign, managing just 32 goals in 18 games.

Whispers of discontent grew louder during an overseas holiday, with reports suggesting he’d accept a pay cut to facilitate a move—particularly to a contender like Sydney or Geelong.

Carlton coach Michael Voss initially quashed rumors, insisting Curnow was “incredibly important” and not for sale.

But as the trade window opened on October 6, the narrative shifted. New football boss Chris Davies softened the stance, acknowledging that an “extraordinary” offer could prompt reconsideration.

Geelong tested the waters first, tabling their 2025, 2026, and 2027 first-round picks—valued but dismissed by the Blues as likely landing in the 20s given the Cats’ contention status.

Sydney, fresh off a Grand Final appearance, emerged as the frontrunner. Curnow toured the Swans’ facilities on October 13, meeting coach Dean Cox and signaling his excitement about joining a premiership-caliber setup.

Initial bids included midfielder Ollie Florent and forward Will Hayward alongside picks, but Florent’s separate trade to Carlton for a future third-rounder cleared the path.

By deadline day, haggling intensified, with AFL Trade Radio capturing officials shaking hands before retreating to AFL House.