Carlton set to reject Geelong’s offer of three first-round picks for Charlie Curnow
Geelong attempted to turn trade period on its head by offering the biggest deal in history for Charlie Curnow – but it’s still not enough for the Blues.
Carlton is set to reject Geelong’s offer for superstar forward Charlie Curnow.
Geelong has offered its top picks from the next three drafts for the brilliant goal kicker but it is not enough to satisfy the Blues.
Carlton want early picks for Curnow, not the Cats’ three picks which the Blues suspect will all be late selections in the first round.
Geelong is clear it wants to remain in the premiership window over the next few years and adding Curnow will only strengthen the team and push its picks back further in the draft order.
The Cats’ 2027 top pick will also be diluted by Tasmania’s entry to the competition and massive slew of picks for the Devils in the first round that year.
It means Geelong’s first choice in 2027 would likely be in the 20s.
The Blues are only prepared to trade Curnow for a blockbuster offer but the Cats’ trio of picks has not interested them despite the historic move from Geelong on Thursday.
Geelong’s first pick in this year’s draft is 19 in a crop recruiters believe is shallow.
Geelong had put their first-round pick (19) to St Kilda for ruckman Rowan Marshall, but had become frustrated with the lack of progress on a deal with the Saints across the past four days.
So the Cats switched focus and on Thursday zeroed in on Curnow, 28, in a move which could partner the jet goal kicker with Jeremy Cameron in blue and white hoops.
Geelong has indicated to Carlton it would not want a pick back from the Blues in the deal, meaning the three first-round picks would be tabled for Curnow outright.
Never before has an AFL club offered three-straight first-round picks for a player in a trade period.
The Cats gave GWS three picks for Cameron but received two second-rounders back at the end of 2020.
It is a major play from the Cats who would boast the most potent key forward combination in the league with Curnow and Cameron owning four Coleman Medals between them.
It is one of the biggest trade decisions in recent times at Carlton following the departures of free agents Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni to St Kilda this month.
The loss of the three stars would heap pressure on out-of-contract Carlton coach Michael Voss to perform next season without three of his best and most talented players.
The deal would mean the Cats would lose their first-round choices from the 2025, 2026 and 2027 national drafts as they aim to remain in premiership contention.
But the Cats are all-in on Curnow after losing patience with the Saints on the Marshall deal in recent days.
The Cats’ bombshell offer for Curnow is a blow to Sydney who was also set on landing the A-Grade key forward.
The spotlight will be on Dean Cox’s men on Friday to see whether the Swans follow suit and match the Cats’ offer in a bid to secure Curnow.
The Swans have an advantage as their pick in this year’s draft (11) is better than the Cats (19).
It means Carlton could take their time making a call on the Cats’ offer if it helps draw a sweeter bid from the Swans.
But the Herald Sun understands Geelong is Curnow’s clear preference to continue his AFL career so he can live down the surf coast and be closer to his brother, Ed.
Lifestyle reasons are a major reason behind Curnow’s decision after 10 years, 149 games and 313 goals in navy blue.
Geelong star midfielder Bailey Smith posted a photo to his Instagram account on Thursday of the pair training together.
The move could also have ramifications for the rest of the trade period as Carlton would be flush with picks which could become a target for rival clubs including Hawthorn.
If they accept the Curnow deal, Carlton would have picks 10 and 19 (from Geelong) and two first-round picks in each of the 2026 and 2027 drafts.
Carlton’s first pick in this year’s draft (10) could be absorbed by a bid for father-son gem Harry Dean, a gun young key defender.
Hawthorn could make a move to snare a second pick in the first-round of this year’s draft to land Bombers’ superstar captain Zach Merrett.
Originally published as Carlton set to reject Geelong’s offer of three first-round picks for Charlie Curnow
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