Charlie Curnow joins, Will Hayward and Ollie Florent depart
Sydney signed Carlton star goalkeeper Charlie Curnow on the dramatic final day of the AFL trade window, with two Swans heading in the other direction to play for the Blues.
Curnow, 28, was one of the biggest names available during this year’s player exchange period, with both the Swans and Geelong submitting bids for the two-time Coleman medalist.
Charlie Curnow will play for the Swans in 2026.Credit: Dylan Burns/Getty Images
The deal, completed three minutes after the AFL’s trade deadline on Wednesday, saw Curnow traded at pick 11 in this year’s draft, a first-round pick in each of the next two years, and to the Swans for Will Hayward.
The Swans also picked up picks 31st and 42nd this year and a second-round pick in 2027.
Curnow’s agent, Robbie D’Orazio, said the full-forward move to Sydney was completed after the Swans agreed to hand over an extra draft pick to please the Blues.
The Swans were seen as favorites to sign Curnow after Carlton rejected an initial offer from Geelong and the full-forward was spotted touring the Sydney facilities at Moore Park.
“[Swans coach] Dean Cox really took him under his wing last week; he can’t wait to get out there,” D’Orazio told AFL Trade Radio. “I think it was 7.27pm to be honest and it’s come down to this.”
Curnow becomes Sydney’s highest-profile signing since signing Lance “Buddy” Franklin from Hawthorn in 2013, giving them a player who has twice won the league’s goalkeeping award during the home and away season.
