AFL Trade Period 2025: The Home Stretch
The AFL’s annual trade window is entering its final stretch, with only three days remaining and a flurry of negotiations still to play out. As supporters wait for definitive moves, attention centers on Carlton star Charlie Curnow, Sydney’s plans for Will Hayward, and a host of other high-profile players whose futures hang in the balance. With four years left on Curnow’s contract, Carlton is weighing the best path to maximize value while giving supporters a sense of clarity about the club’s direction.
The Curnow Situation: Blues vs Swans
At the heart of the chatter is the question of whether Charlie Curnow can be prised free from Carlton. Reports suggest the Blues are holding firm, seeking a deal that would tempt them to part with a player of Curnow’s calibre while still addressing their list needs for the future. Sydney’s interest is real, and the Swans reportedly aim to present a compelling package to entice Carlton. The specific components of the offer have varied in chatter across AFL circles, but the central point remains: Carlton’s demands are high, and a successful trade would need to be irresistible to the Blues with four years still on Curnow’s deal.
In another twist, there has been speculative talk about Curnow touring Sydney’s training facilities as early as Monday, a sign that both clubs are seriously weighing the options. The idea of a tour indicates a potential seriousness about aligning schedules with a deal, but it also highlights just how sensitive negotiations are this late in the window.
The Charlie Curnow Conundrum: What Will It Take?
Sources indicate that Geelong’s mix of first-round picks—three in total for 2025, 2026, and 2027—has been rejected by Carlton as an acceptable return. The Blues have, however, signaled that two first-round picks (No. 11 this year and Carlton’s 2026 pick) would not be sufficient to part with their star forward. The negotiations hinge on whether Sydney can present a package that aligns with Carlton’s long-term rebuild plan, alongside the Blues’ appetite to retool given rising salary cap concerns and shifting list needs.
Other Notable Movements: Hayward and the Draft Pulse
Beyond Curnow, the trade period continues to churn with Will Hayward emerging as a potential target for Carlton from Sydney. Hayward has been linked to a Blues move for some time, and his availability adds another layer to a busy week. However, as noted, Hayward is on Sydney’s books, making any deal complex and subject to the Swans’ broader list strategy. James Rowbottom and Ollie Florent are also mentioned in chatter as players who may resist a move or explore options, complicating the Swans’ negotiating stance.
The draft landscape looms large, with Pick 38 viewed as the potential bellwether to seal a deal that would allow Richmond to move Tylar Young toward West Coast. The Tigers had hoped for Pick 34, but the Eagles’ willingness to trade at their next selection appears to have shifted expectations and kept the process competitive as clubs maneuver for the best possible outcomes in a very even draft class.
Three Days to Resolve the Futures of Stars
As the AFL’s trade period approaches its deadline on Wednesday night, fans should anticipate a flurry of final talks, counteroffers, and potentially late surprises. The futures of Charlie Curnow, along with big names who could reshape premiership windows—including players like Merrett, Petracca, and Oliver—will be watched closely. While some deals may be announced in the coming days, others will likely hinge on whether clubs can assemble packages that satisfy both the player’s preferences and the recruiting club’s strategic direction.
For now, the league’s powder-keg mix of high-stakes negotiations and draft leverage continues to build toward a dramatic conclusion. As clubs weigh offers, and as players consider where they believe their best opportunities lie, supporters are reminded that the AFL trade period is often a test of long-term vision as much as immediate gains.
For the latest, stay tuned as we track every submission, counter, and last-minute pivot across the league in the next 72 hours.
