Details revealed behind Charlie Curnow’s bombshell AFL trade

Charlie Curnow’s manager has dropped some stunning details on the superstar full forward’s last-minute move to the Sydney Swans.

Charlie Curnow’s manager has revealed some of the key factors in the superstar full forward’s desire to leave the Carlton footy club.

The 28-year-old has played 149 games and kicked 313 goals for the Blues after being drafted way back in 2015, but the club has endured a tough couple of years on the field.

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Curnow is now off to the Swans after a deal was struck at 7.27pm AEDT, just three minutes before the Trade deadline, with Sydney receiving Curnow, picks 31 and 42 plus a 2027 second-round pick.

The Blues land pick 11, a 2026 first round pick, a 2027 first round pick and Will Hayward.

Curnow’s manager Robbie D’Orazio told AFL Trade Radio it was an intense final few minutes before the deal got over the line, with that 2027 pick the “sticking point”.

Charlie Curnow during a tour of Sydney Swans HQ on Monday. (Photo by Phil Hillyard)

Curnow and the Blues had endured a difficult recent spell. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

“It was frantic. It’s quite hot in here as well,” he said.

“It was who was going to blink first. Sydney were pretty hellbent on not giving up three firsts and Carlton were hellbent on getting three firsts.

“It was always the sticking point, especially the 2027 first round pick. That was one both clubs wanted to hold, but managed to get there.”

While it was a stressful final few moments for D’Orazio and the clubs involved, Curnow took it all in his stride.

“Charlie probably to his credit has a smile on his face most of the time, but this day was pretty nervous for him,” D’Orazio continued.

“That last hour, he’s with his partner Tiana (Simic), it’s a pretty big move, he just got engaged and is moving to Sydney, not moving to another club just down the road.

“He’s very excited, Dean Cox is a fantastic coach and he took him under his wing over the last week or so, and it’s a big decision he’s made and he’s excited to get there.”

Curnow was initially linked strongly with Geelong, while the Gold Coast were also interested, before the Harbour City club won out.

Asked when and why Curnow wanted to leave the Blues, D’Orazio said: “Charlie was always thinking about it pretty early on, looking for a fresh start.

Charlie Curnow and Tiana Simic are on the move to Sydney. Picture: Jonathan Di Maggio

Robbie D'Orazio revealed some of the reasons behind Curnow’s Carlton exit. Photo: Supplied

“He looked around the league and saw players do that like Joe Daniher going to Brisbane and playing some of his best football.

“He loves the Carlton Football Club, but it was time for a fresh start.

“Carlton is a hard team to play for if you’re not playing well. Getting out of the bubble is pretty cool.”

The Swans have a long history of recruiting big key forwards, including Tony Lockett, Barry Hall and Buddy Franklin.

D’Orazio was seen punching the air with both arms after the deal was secured and dropped some extra info about Curnow’s looming time in Sydney after he was asked about that reaction.

“That’s embarrassing, but I was quite happy, it’s a big deal,” D’Orazio said.

“Charlie Curnow is a massive name in the AFL landscape.

“He goes to the Swans now and is a big full forward which they’ve missed the last few years.

“He’ll take the Plugger No. 4.”

Curnow, who wore No. 30 at the Blues, might need to have a chat with Brodie Grundy about that as the Sydney ruckman currently wears No. 4.

Lockett, who helped steer a massive turnaround at the Swans in the mid-1990s, wore the No. 4 throughout his time in Sydney.

D’Orazio was also asked about Hayward’s reaction after he was a key factor in the deal.

Hayward’s former Swans teammate Ollie Florent also ended up at Carlton in a separate trade.

“Will is an absolute beauty as well,” he said.

Will Hayward is said to be thrilled with his move to Carlton. (Photo: Brett Costello)

“He’s currently in South America, I think it’s about 3am in Medellin.

“He just rang then and he’s over the moon to join his good mate Ollie Florent.”

Curnow’s manager was finally quizzed on how he felt about helping to secure a deal that shifts the AFL landscape.

“Three first round picks for Charlie Curnow,” D’Orazio said, seemingly still trying to get his head around the trade.

“I don’t have a massive ego, but I’ll probably talk about it later on.”