Day Five Kickstarts a Week of Drama: Geelong Opens on Charlie Curnow
Welcome to ABC Sport’s live coverage of AFL trade period day five. The chatter has sharpened into a real bidding war mood as Geelong reportedly tabled a bold opening bid for Carlton star Charlie Curnow. AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey reports Geelong has presented three first-round picks for 2025, 2026, and 2027. The legal and moral wrangle around Curnow’s worth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about a club’s confidence in a list rebuild and a young core capable of lifting a premiership window in coming years. Carlton, however, remains adamant that Charlie is not for sale, and the Blues’ football boss, Chris Davies, publicly signaled a desire to keep their gun forward. The “Poo Poo Platter” of picks line has become a buzzword in negotiations: clubs won’t move for downgrade picks or lower-end firsts. The cat-and-mouse game continues as Geelong tries to break through a potential stalemate with the Blues.
Aleer Update: Saints Fallout and a Fresh Invitational Field
The standout moment on day five is the fallout from St Kilda’s decision to walk away from trading for Leek Aleer after a prolonged recruitment push. Aleer’s management, led by Dylan Smith, claimed the club’s reversal was “livid” and that Saints had dangled a four-year contract alongside a high‑potential environment only to backflip due to not having sufficient draft capital. The manager’s fulmination—“This came as an absolute shock … Nobody from the Saints has spoken to him”—has opened a very real door for other clubs to step in.
GWS reportedly tabled a “modest” three-year offer for Aleer, signaling that the Giants remain committed but also must weigh long-term payroll and positional depth. With Aleer’s management actively testing the market, expect a ripple effect as other clubs assess their own cap space and structural fit.
So, who could be next to throw their hat into the ring for Aleer? The market dynamics suggest a handful of realistic contenders with room to maneuver and a need for a key-position defender who can grow with a young core:
- Western Bulldogs: A plausible match. The Dogs have been aggressive in recruiting young, versatile defenders and could see Aleer as a long-term answer on a backline that needs reloading after waves of changes over recent seasons.
- Sydney Swans: A logical fit. Sydney has a clear need to stockpile key-position defensive stocks, and Aleer brings a blend of polish and speed that could slot in as a pillar behind a developing unit.
- Other cap-rich clubs: Several teams with space to operate and a willingness to spend could float an offer if Aleer’s management tests the market. The overall sentiment is that there will be interested bidders who view Aleer as a flexible asset capable of covering multiple roles in defense.
As Bailey notes, the Pies and other clubs will be watching closely. Collingwood, with midseason pressure to refresh the list, could consider a mid-range move if it aligns with their cap realities and midfield priorities, especially with how trading momentum has shifted around players like Jack Steele and other mids who might unlock the next phase of their list strategy.
Other Trade Headlines: Oliver Picks GWS and Cats’ Curnow Strategy
The big swing of the day centers on Clayton Oliver, whose decision to join the Greater Western Sydney Giants reconfigures midfields across the league. The Giants instantly become a championship threat with a proven ball winner in the prime of his career, while the Magpies (Collingwood) balance their options as they pivot from Oliver’s departure. The possibility of the Magpies pivoting toward other established stars, including targeting Steele if the Saints are keen to clear money, remains a live option for depth and experience division across the midfield.
Meanwhile, Geelong’s three-first-rounds bid for Charlie Curnow has accelerated the trade conversation. Carlton’s stance that Curnow’s worth exceeds three first-round picks reinforces a broader narrative: clubs must identify genuine value and negotiate accordingly. Geelong’s bid will force Sydney to consider whether they should counter with a higher package, and Carlton will weigh the optics of selling a premiership-caliber player against the vision of building immediate depth from the draft.
What to Expect Next
As day five closes, expect more clarity around Leek Aleer’s eventual destination, and whether Geelong, Sydney, or another club can outbid Carlton’s reticence. The market is still forming, and managements will be combing through lists, cap sheets, and draft assets to decide whether to push for a quick win or wait for a longer-term strategic fit. For Carlton and Geelong, the Charlie Curnow conversation remains front and center, with a potential escalation or an eventual stalemate likely to redefine both clubs’ windows in the upcoming season.
Live Update Note
We’ll continue to bring you the latest developments, including reaction from clubs, managers, and the trading pundits, as day five of the AFL trade period unfolds. Stay with us for real-time updates as negotiations intensify and fresh offers land on desks across the league.
