Charlie Curnow… a Kangaroo!?
North Melbourne launched a bold 11th bid for Curnow on the final day of the trade period following a hold up in talks between Sydney and Carlton, according to AFL Media’s Callum Twomey.
The report states the Kangaroos told Curnow’s management they were prepared to offer their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks plus whatever asset/s they received in a potential Jy Simpkin trade.
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But North’s approach didn’t go any further, with Simpkin ultimately staying put after the club rejected Collingwood’s offer of a future second-round pick for the Roos skipper.
It’s believed the Magpies didn’t table North a first-round pick in any draft, as reported elsewhere.
The Roos saw an opportunity to throw their hat in the ring for Curnow after Carlton knocked back Sydney’s initial offer earlier on Wednesday.
Curnow opens up on nerve racking trade | 10:47
North doesn’t have a 2025 first rounder after a pick swap with Richmond last year that gives the Tigers the No. 3 and 4 overall selections.
Therefore, the Kangaroos would’ve been prepared to have no first-round pick in three-straight drafts, had their interest in Curnow advanced.
It shows the eagerness of the club to continue to pursue options up until Wednesday night’s trade deadline, which a Simpkin move could’ve helped further facilitate.
Free agent Charlie Spargo was the only addition to Alastair Clarkson’s list during the exchange window.
Geelong, who was Curnow’s preferred landing spot, had its offer of three-first round picks knocked back by Carlton last week but maintained interest in the dual Coleman medallist through Wednesday.
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Sydney and Carlton ultimately agreed on a deal in the final minutes that saw the Swans surrender Will Hayward, Pick 11 and two future first-round picks for Curnow and three second-rounders.
“The last 20 minutes, I started to get very nervous. I don’t know why that goes to the wire,” Curnow said in his first appearance as a Swan.
“It was a funny environment. I said I wasn’t going to watch it, but I went out with my partner, Tiana, and we just started watching it.
“It was nerve-wracking the last 20 minutes to see what would happen, it didn’t look like Carlton was budging.
“I think all parties come out with a great result, and I don’t have any hard feelings toward Carlton at all.
“I loved my time there, I’ve probably repeated that a few times, but I really did, and I’m glad we all came to a great arrangement.”
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