The Curnow trade is at a delicate stage. Voss’ Blues future will be shaped by what happens

6 hours ago 2

It is impossible for Carlton to replace Charlie Curnow in 2026 if he leaves.

That’s not good news for Michael Voss as he heads into the final year of his contract, with Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni also out the door and Elijah Hollands on the trade table.

Blues spearhead Charlie Curnow and coach Michael Voss.

But that does not mean the Blues should not entertain a trade – which they are clearly open to doing – if those interested in putting the dual Coleman medallist on their books can deliver a strong offer worthy of one of the competition’s stars.

The right trade right now could deliver Carlton the boost they need to spread their talent, and, the way their total player payment (TPP) dollars are spent, to become a serious contender again in future seasons if they can stabilise in 2026.

Sam Walsh, Harry McKay, Brodie Kemp and Matt Cottrell will be more available, the almost unseen Jagga Smith will be fit, and more games will go into a bunch of talented young players exposed more often after the Blues’ shocking loss to Port Adelaide in round 16.

Voss knows the deal. He hasn’t used the phrase “Carlton first” by accident this post-season.

He is determined to show the way in putting the club’s overall needs ahead of his personal needs.

But he needs at least one excellent, already developed player to make up for the gaps left by the exits.

Carlton coach Michael Voss and key forward Charlie Curnow when the Blues knocked off the Swans in the 2023 finals.

That all means Sydney can land Curnow at the right price (Geelong are still in the hunt but admit it will be difficult for them to satisfy the Blues, and Gold Coast are no longer a factor).

The Swans will have a plan but, a week out from the close of trade period next Wednesday, it’s not evident. As yet, no package involving a player has been offered for the Blues to even consider, let alone one which will knock them over.

What can the Swans realistically offer Carlton?

The Blues need something in return to give their coach, supporters and those remaining reason to be excited. After all, Carlton don’t want their contracted player to go.

Sydney’s package can’t just involve picks (Sydney have a pick just outside the top 10, and future selections) the Blues can use in the next two seasons to land father-son prospects Harry Dean and Cody Walker. Clubs tend to find ways to gather points – even with a tighter system being introduced – without losing marquee players to do so.

They need to find a player to join the picks.

Let’s assume Errol Gulden, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner aren’t being traded.

Big-bodied midfielders James Rowbottom and Angus Sheldrick are the wrong fit at Carlton. Will Hayward averages about 25 goals per season, is durable and nearly 27. He might make a difference, but it’s line ball.

Have Sydney got a Jack Crisp on their list to add to picks, which would at least give the Blues something to think about?

Crisp, of course, became the most famous part of a famous deal in 2014 that saw Dayne Beams join the Lions and picks five, 25 and Crisp join the Magpies.

That’s a tough ask given the list contains four superstars, some strong veterans and many disciplined role players.

Perhaps Braeden Campbell could fit the bill. He was just contracted and won’t want to leave, but he appears the only type of player who might give the Blues pause for thought if he is added to a deal containing two strong picks.

The deal is at a delicate point as the time has come for Sydney to make their move. They are a club who have been capable of making deals, so there is a level of confidence they have an idea up their sleeve.

But that idea needs to include something that adds another key block to the path the Blues are constructing piece-by-piece under new CEO Graham Wright.

Otherwise, Curnow remains a Blue. And then Voss has no excuses in his final year.