The future of Australian Rules Football is heating up as star player Charlie Curnow reveals his preferred destinations for a potential trade in 2026. Curnow, a dual Coleman medallist currently with the Carlton Blues, is reportedly prioritizing a move to Geelong over other interested clubs, including the Sydney Swans and Gold Coast Suns. This news comes as fellow player Sam Flanders seeks a trade from the Suns and will meet with several Victorian clubs to discuss his future.
According to AFL journalist Damien Barrett, Curnow’s first choice is Geelong, with Gold Coast second and Sydney third. Barrett stated on Triple M that while Sydney has been viewed as a frontrunner for the Blues star, Curnow’s preference leans heavily towards Geelong. “In Charlie Curnow’s ideal world, it’s Geelong, Gold Coast, then Sydney,” Barrett mentioned.
Despite his preference, the negotiation may prove challenging. Geelong currently holds the weakest draft hand among the three clubs, complicating potential trade discussions. Barrett noted, “I don’t know how Geelong does it. Of the three, it’s going to be the hardest to get done, but that’s where he wants to be first.” He anticipates that either Gold Coast or Sydney will likely finalize a deal by the end of the trade period.
Sam Flanders Pursues New Opportunities
In a parallel development, Sam Flanders is preparing to meet with four Victorian clubs next week as he seeks to establish his next steps away from the Gold Coast Suns. Although Flanders is contracted until 2027, he has expressed a desire to explore other opportunities for the upcoming season.
Flanders is set to meet with St Kilda, Melbourne, Carlton, and Essendon to determine his future destination. AFL Media reporter Callum Twomey confirmed that Flanders has already initiated discussions with Steven King, the new Demons coach, who previously worked with him at the Suns. “He’s on the move; he’s going to be in Victoria next year. It’s just about where is the best option for him,” Twomey stated.
The Suns remain firm regarding Flanders’s potential trade, as they see value in retaining contracted players. Craig Cameron, the Suns’ list manager, commented, “Sam expressed an interest in exploring other opportunities for next year at today’s exit meeting. However, we have reiterated to Sam that he is a contracted player with our football club and part of our best 23 players.”
As the trade period approaches, both Curnow and Flanders are at pivotal points in their careers, with their decisions set to impact the dynamics of their respective teams and the broader AFL landscape. The unfolding situation is generating considerable interest among fans and analysts alike, reflecting the high stakes involved in player mobility within Australian football.
