Suns’ reluctance to move guns could cast doubt over Curnow trade; suitors for Dee shrinks — In and Under

The Suns’ reluctance to trade their gun forwards could cast doubt around their ability to land Charlie Curnow.

Plus two clubs that are unlikely to pursue Steven May.

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

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SUNS RELUCTANT TO MOVE GUN FORWARDS IN CURNOW TRADE

Gold Coast’s reluctance to include its gun forwards in a potential Charlie Curnow deal could cast doubt around the Suns’ ability to land the dual Coleman medallist.

The Suns are seen to have assets that could get a deal done for Curnow given they’re well stocked with like types including Ben King and Jed Walter that may appease Carlton. But it’s understood Gold Coast isn’t currently willing to trade such names.

Curnow is open to joining Gold Coast, Sydney and Geelong but hasn’t nominated a club he wants to be traded to.

The Blues haven’t held any meaningful talks with suitors, despite foxfooty.com.au revealing last week Curnow’s name was raised during a meeting between Carlton and Sydney at Melbourne’s Pullman Hotel among a variety of catch ups between list management representatives.

It’s believed it would take an overwhelming offer for Carlton to agree to deal the superstar forward.

“What we do know is, we’re very happy with our key (forwards) in Ethan (Read), ‘Kingy’ (Ben King) and Jed (Walter), we think is going to be a wonderful player for us,” Suns coach Damien Hardwick said after his side’s semi-final loss to Brisbane.

“Jed is going to be one of those players who are going to take us forward into the next stanza.

“But what we do know is we are looking to improve our list, but we’ll address that over the coming months.”

Though the Suns currently hold three 2025 first-round picks — their own, Port Adelaide’s and Collingwood’s — they need draft points for academy draftees including Zeke Uwland, Dylan Patterson, Jai Murray, Koby Coulson and Beau Addinsall.

The looming departure of Sam Flanders could net Gold Coast an extra first rounder as he prepares to meet with Victorian clubs pursuing the utility including Carlton St Kilda, Melbourne, Essendon.

The Saints are the club that has been linked to Flanders for the longest, but Essendon could be in a position to table the best offer to the 24-year old.

Flanders also has a connection to new Melbourne coach Steven King, who helped spark the former Pick 11’s career when King replaced Stuart Dew as the Suns’ caretaker coach late in the 2023 season.

Flanders still has two years remaining on his contract.

Another Sun facing the exit door is Malcolm Rosas as he weighs up where he wants to play in 2026.

Rosas is still working through his options, with the small forward likely to land at either Sydney or Richmond.

Melbourne is also still in the mix for Rosas, who got along well with King during his time at the Suns.

It included Rosas kicking three goals in two separate games under King late in the 2023 season.

BLUES, DOGS UNLIKELY TO TARGET MAY

Carlton and the Western Bulldogs are unlikely to pursue Steven May as the veteran Melbourne defender searches for a new home for 2026.

The Blues aren’t expected to show interest in May, who turns 34 in January, as a potential partner for Jacob Weitering to help anchor Michael Voss’ defence.

That comes despite the departure of Jack Silvagni at Ikon Park and uncertainty around Mitch McGovern’s future as he waits on a new deal.

Carlton has interest in Buku Khamis, but the Bulldogs’ ability to acquire another defender on the market could dictate whether they’re willing to trade the contracted swingman.

Both Khamis and fellow Dog Liam Jones are keen to explore their options. However the pair are yet to have their exit interviews with the club’s VFL season still going.

The Dogs have made an audacious play for Callum Wilkie with a multimillion-dollar offer including coach Luke Beveridge reaching out to the Saints star.

If they fail in that pursuit, the Dogs are expected to target Adelaide’s Jordon Butts. But clubs think it would be hard to pry the contracted backman out of the Crows.

But May isn’t in the Dogs’ plans, despite dual premiership Kangaroo David King suggesting the premiership Demon could be a good addition to bolster Beveridge’s back six.

“I don’t mind this type of player. Everyone says he’s a bad egg and he’s this and that. He’s been a high level competitor and performer,” King said of May on SEN.

“I don’t mind the fact this guy has been tipped out. He will be angry next year, wherever he plays, if he were to get another opportunity.

“Maybe no one takes a risk on him, but you want to make sure you have got better at your disposal than Steven May.

“I’m looking at the Dogs, their back six needs something. I don’t know if they have someone else in mind. I want to see who they can get but May is someone I think could help their back six.”