Charlie Curnow’s camp has opened the door to a move to Geelong, but the path from Carlton to the Cattery looks anything but straightforward.
Despite his management making initial contact with the Cats as early as May, doubts remain over whether Geelong can actually deliver a trade package strong enough to prise him out of Ikon Park.
Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph told Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle that while Curnow would prefer the Cats, the reality is sobering. “Here’s the issue: There’s no way that Carlton believes a deal can be done with Geelong, so I think his management has some real reservations about it.”
Sydney waiting in the wings
That uncertainty leaves the door ajar for rival suitors, with Sydney emerging as a far more realistic option given its two first-round picks. Ralph suggested the Swans “absolutely would give them up” and could sweeten the deal with established talent, something Carlton may value more than draft capital alone.
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SEN’s Sam Edmund went further, claiming Curnow is “desperate to get to Geelong,” but added that the Cats’ competing pursuit of St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall makes it “surely” impossible to bring in both.
With James Worpel also set to arrive as a free agent, Geelong’s list juggling act is under scrutiny.
Curnow, 28, remains contracted with Carlton until 2029 on a lucrative deal. That reality, combined with his dual Coleman Medal pedigree, means the Blues hold all the cards – and so far, they are not dealing.