Charlie Curnow, the key forward for Carlton, is preparing to address his concerns regarding the club’s direction in an upcoming meeting, potentially signaling a request for a trade. This meeting might just be the critical juncture. It should raise questions as to whether Carlton has a plan for moving on from Curnow and what that would look like. The time to shut down this trade speculation was two weeks ago. That’s far from a done deal, and Curnow’s exit is still very much in the cards.
Over the past four months, Curnow’s displeasure with his precarious position at Carlton has been abundantly clear. He has expressed concerns about the club’s trajectory and the future plans under coach Michael Voss, who has been backed for a tenure until 2026. Most significantly, Curnow signed a six-year extension with Carlton late last year, making any possible trade negotiations beyond awkward. Despite this long-term contract giving Carlton some leverage, sources say a deal could still be worked out mutually.
In his meeting to come, Curnow is likely to express pointed discontent.
“I know he’s going to air some grievances.” – Caroline Wilson
Wilson implores Curnow to get a clear understanding of the moves the club is making. He’s looking to see how they’ll respond to his concerns and increase their competitive position.
“Charlie Curnow might well, by tomorrow, go and say I have some real issues and I’d like you to tell me how things are going to be fixed and what our direction is going to be.” – Caroline Wilson
The Swans have been seen as a likely destination for Curnow. In the past, the Swans have done very well recruiting players from Victoria. Players such as Tony Lockett, Barry Hall, and Lance Franklin have all played for them. This history can only improve their odds if Curnow indicates a willingness to head out of Melbourne.
No matter what the trade rumors may be, Kane Cornes argues that Carlton would be right in hanging on to Curnow. He believes that trading a player of Curnow’s caliber would be unwise, particularly given Voss’s current position as head coach.
“If you’re Michael Voss you’re going ‘why would I trade you, I’m the coach under the most pressure’.” – Kane Cornes
Cornes offered his thoughts on what long-term contracts mean in negotiating for players.
“You know what annoys me and it’s really starting to annoy me, players signing long-term contracts.” – Kane Cornes
Combined with Curnow’s injury history it has brought Curnow to be in limbo with the team. After knee surgery that cut his first season short, his performance has been under a microscope. When healthy, he is a game-changing power forward with the potential to carry his team to a finals’ run.
As Curnow heads into this important meeting with Carlton, the result is still uncertain. These discussions should, and hopefully will, go beyond his immediate future and towards how the strategic direction of the club going forward. Though Carlton has stated he’s confident of bringing him in, that ship hasn’t totally sailed just yet.
“I can’t go into too many details, I just know that Charlie is looking at a life outside of Melbourne and outside of Victoria.” – Caroline Wilson
