Blues, Swans’ early Curnow talks as contracted mid a target; ex-Swan could defect: In and Under

Sydney and Carlton were among the clubs at a pre-trade period meeting this week, with Charlie Curnow’s name among those discussed.

Plus another Blue and ex-Swan who could move, plus inside Port Adelaide’s draft plans.

In and Under delves into footy’s hottest topics, with insights from behind the scenes.

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SWANS, BLUES MEET AT LIST BOSSES GATHERING… BUT NO CURNOW PROGRESS

Sydney and Carlton’s list bosses met at Tuesday’s gathering between a range of clubs at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne, with Charlie Curnow raised during the speed dating-like talks.

But there’s been no progress on what a potential Curnow trade could look like or meaningful discussion on what players could unlock a deal ahead of next month’s exchange window.

List management representatives from the majority of the competition came together this week for the annual catch up at the Pullman Hotel for informal chats before the trade and free agency period.

It’s an opportunity for teams to get a better idea on other clubs’ list and draft plans for 2026.

Where Curnow will be playing next season remains up in the air as he seeks a trade away from Ikon Park, despite being contracted until 2029.

Curnow hasn’t nominated a destination, but the Swans, Cats and Suns have all been linked to the dual Coleman medallist.

Reports earlier this month stated Curnow met with Sydney coach Dean Cox prior to the star forward heading overseas for a holiday.

Carlton’s position remains clear that there’s no conversation to be had.

New Blues CEO Graham Wright this week reaffirmed Curnow was a “required player”.

“We’ve been very clear from the start that Charlie’s a required player, a contracted player for the next four years, and we want to see him finish his career here,” Wright said in an interview on Carlton’s website on Thursday.

“It’s been a big 12 months for Charlie.

“He’s had two or three operations across that period of time.

“He’s away on leave at the moment, and we’re expecting him back in the next couple of weeks, prior to the to the best-and-fairest, and he’ll be a Carlton player going forward.”

FRANCIS ON GIANTS’ RADAR

Former Swan and Bomber Aaron Francis is another name on the Giants’ radar as a potential defensive reinforcement with Leek Aleer bound for St Kilda.

GWS is weighing up a move for Francis after the 28-year-old swingman was this week delisted by Sydney.

The former Pick 6 has played 86 AFL games including 10 senior appearances for the Swans this season.

Francis, who’s originally from South Australia, is one of many mature-aged defensive options the Giants are canvassing to help reload their stocks with Aleer and likely Wade Derksen’s looming departures.

Essendon’s Jayden Laverde, Sydney’s Joel Hamling and Hawthorn’s Sam Frost are other names that have been linked to GWS.

The Giants would look to the ready-made key backs via the delisted free agency windows, rookie draft or pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP) for depth behind their star-studded defence.

Derksen has been linked with a move to Melbourne, but the forward-turned-defender hasn’t yet asked the Giants for a trade in a move that could affect the club’s plans.

It’s been confirmed that Aleer (St Kilda) and Jacob Wehr (Port Adelaide) will both depart GWS in next month’s trade and free agency period.

BINNS EMERGES AS TRADE TARGET

Carlton’s Jaxon Binns has emerged as a trade target for rival clubs.

It’s understood the Blues could be open to offers for the 20-year-old midfielder, who’s had limited senior opportunities in Michael Voss’ side so far.

Binns has played eight games across three seasons – including five this year – since joining the Blues with Pick 32 in the 2022 National Draft.

The Dandenong Stingrays product is contracted until the end of the 2026 season on a two-year extension signed in 2023.

He averaged 20 disposals from 12 VFL games this year.

PORT EXPLORING DRAFT MOVES

Port Adelaide is considering different options to lessen its 2025 draft hand as one of several clubs looking to prioritise something other than what’s widely seen as a compromised draft.

It’s believed one scenario the Power are exploring would see them using multiple rookie upgrades to their primary list and having few to no draft picks.

It’s part of a wider plan dating back 12 months ago when the Power targeted the 2024 draft – using three picks on Joe Berry (15), Jack Whitlock (33) and Christian Moraes (38) in the first two rounds.

Port then topped up with three mid-season draftees – Harrison Ramm, Ewan Mackinlay and Mani Liddy – all of whom are signed for 2025.

The Power are also keen to prioritise the 2026 and 2027 drafts. The club has ties to Dougie Cochrane (2026), Louis Salopek, Tevita Roda and Zemes Pilot (all 2027) as potential academy and father-son prospects that would require draft points, provided the league doesn’t alter the rules.

Port is still waiting on the AFL’s verdict on whether it will have Cochrane, a potential No. 1 pick, available as a Next Generation Academy player under his Indigenous background.

The club currently holds picks 24, 42 and 60 in this year’s draft.

It comes after Fremantle’s Will Brodie this week requested a trade to Alberton and Giant Jacob Wehr declared he’ll sign with the Power as an unrestricted free agent.