Three Days to Go: The Big Questions Still Unanswered
The AFL trade period for 2025 is entering its final stretch, with deals needing to be sealed by Wednesday night. As clubs weigh up bold offers and calculated risks, the futures of several star players remain unclear. Chief among them are Charlie Curnow, Adam Merrett (note: real player is Aaron Merrett in this fictional spec context), Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, who have had their movements teased throughout the week. The looming deadline has created a heightened sense of urgency across the league, with clubs racing to secure the right mix of picks and players before the window closes.
Curnow at the Crossroads: Blues, Swans or a Surprising U-Turn?
Carlton’s Charlie Curnow remains at the centre of the trade chatter. Reports suggest the Blues are awaiting a compelling offer from Sydney for the key forward, who has four years left on his contract. Carlton has already rebuffed an offer from Geelong comprising three first-round picks spanning 2025 to 2027.
Speculation in the trade market indicates Sydney might have to bundle draft picks with a current player to tempt Carlton into releasing Curnow. One name repeatedly floated in the chatter is Will Hayward, a forward who has been linked to a potential Swans-Carlton swap. However, a caveat appears in the literature surrounding Hayward: some sources online incorrectly list him as a blue, something that would be an unusual twist in real time. Regardless, the Blues are known to be weighing multiple scenarios, including the possibility that Sydney sweetens any deal with a combination of picks and talent from their stable of youngsters.
With four years left on Curnow’s deal, the Blues appear reluctant to accept merely two first-round picks, having already dismissed broader proposals. The next 72 hours are expected to be pivotal in deciding whether Curnow remains in blue and white or becomes part of a broader list reshaping across the league.
Draft Strategy and the Tylar Young Move
Elsewhere, Richmond is maneuvering to secure a path for Tylar Young to West Coast. The clubs are weighing Pick 38 as the eventual piece that seals the deal, with Pick 34 previously eyed by the Tigers. West Coast’s latest pick could be the catalyst to push this deal across the line, especially as Young made a strong late-season impression and attracted multiple clubs’ interest.
Young’s decision to move west continues a trend in which departing Richmond players join the Eagles after the club restructured its list under new management. The dynamic is part of a broader pattern in which several veterans and emerging talents swap paths as teams chase the perfect fit for their 2025 campaigns.
Where the Stars Stand: Peters, Oliver and More
The trade period’s marquee names, including Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, remain in the spotlight as clubs attempt to forecast how their long-term plans align with the salary cap and draft assets. Teams are forced to balance immediate impact with future flexibility, and any deal involving these stars could ripple through the rest of the draft and free agency landscape.
Meanwhile, players like Ollie Florent and James Rowbottom are weighing their options. While Rowbottom appears reluctant to depart, Florent is said to be exploring possibilities if the right offer emerges. The Blues and Swans are among the clubs closely studying these options, seeking combinations that could lift their 2026 prospects while managing cap space.
What to Expect in the Final 48 Hours
With the clock ticking, expect a flurry of negotiations, counteroffers and last-minute trade scalps as clubs try to maximize draft capital while solving positional gaps. The most likely scenario is a late-night deal that glitches into Wednesday’s policy window, possibly involving a combination of picks in this year’s draft and a current player who can help balance salary and on-field needs.
Fans should stay tuned for a series of official announcements and press conferences as clubs reveal their final plans for the 2025 season. The next three days will determine whether Charlie Curnow remains a Blues stalwart or embarks on a new challenge somewhere else, while the rest of the league scrambles for a clear path forward.
For ongoing coverage and the full, live-trade updates, keep an eye on our feed as the AFL trade period enters its closing chapter.
