Swans star Tom Papley addresses links to bombshell Charlie Curnow trade

Two-time Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow's potential move to Sydney has received a massive endorsement from one Swans superstar who sees fireworks ahead.

The Charlie Curnow trade to Sydney might still be a long way from getting off the ground, but Swans forward Tom Papley says he’s sure they’ll be “trying to do anything that we can to get him.”

Papley is already licking his lips at the thought of lining up alongside the two-time Coleman Medallist.

Curnow has expressed his desire for a trade away from Carlton this season despite being contracted to the club until the end of 2029.

The 28-year-old appears keen for a move away from the Melbourne bubble, with Sydney, Gold Coast and Geelong set to be his three potential landing places. Reports this week also said he had already met with Swans coach Dean Cox about a move.

Papley is never far from the action and has had his say on the Charlie Curnow-Sydney saga. Picture: Phil Hillyard

However, the sticking point is set to be what the Swans give up to land Curnow in the red and white. There has been some suggestion that Papley could be one of the names to go the other way, but on the latest episode of The Early Crow podcast, the fiery Swans forward said there is no chance he is leaving.

“My manager rang me just to be wary if something comes out in the media that your name’s going to be thrown around for the Curnow stuff because of previous years,” Papley said.

“He was pretty clear that it’s not the club that wanted to do that, it’s solely on their management, and they’re looking for someone to trade for Curnow.

“And I was pretty stern with him and said, ‘Man, I’m pretty happy at the Swans. But I’m definitely not leaving if Curnow is coming.

“I’d love for it to happen. Everyone knows he wants to get out of there and wants to come to the Swans or Gold Coast or wherever. But we’re going to have to give up a fair bit and that comes with you’re going to lose a couple of mates, which is tough as well.

“So, it’s got to work for both parties, and I’m sure we’ll be trying to do anything that we can to get him.”

Papley was in a similar position back in 2019 when he requested a trade to Carlton for family reasons, which eventually fell through because the Swans weren’t able to get the value back they required.

Curnow has expressed his desire for a trade with Sydney one of his potential landing spots. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

However, the Sydney star concedes it might be harder for Curnow to find a way back to the Blues after expressing his dissatisfaction with Carlton’s future. And the result could be a “pretty nice forward line” for the Bloods.

“I’ve obviously been in a similar position as Charlie’s in right now,” Papley said. “Obviously, it was a little bit different. I don’t know if he’s actually not happy with the football club or not happy with Voss. But for me, I was happy where I was.

“I had nothing against the club. I asked for a trade for family reasons, and the club knocked it back. So, when I did go back into the club, I was nervous. But at the same time, I did my duties. Probably since then, I’ve been a much better player. So, things happen for a reason.

“Charlie’s a bit different where he said that (at his exit meeting), and it might get a bit dirty late if something doesn’t come up for him, and he’s going to have to walk back in after he’s maybe said some stuff in his exit that he’s not happy.

“But at the same time, it’s an interesting time for the footy world and Charlie and Carlton and the Swans. It’d be pretty nice in the forward line of the Swans, I reckon.”

Originally published as Swans star Tom Papley addresses links to bombshell Charlie Curnow trade