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Sport Nation
"Bypass the middleman": The Curnow alternative worthy of investment
SEN • September 9th, 2025 5:30 pm
Gerard Healy has urged clubs with interest in Charlie Curnow to “bypass the middleman”, suggesting their interest would be better invested in an alternate talented key forward.
Carlton’s star man has expressed real interest in moving away from the club, with the Blues undeniably stating that Curnow will not leave the club over the coming off-season.
Seeking a move away from the Melbourne limelight, the likes of Gold Coast, Sydney and Geelong have led the charge in talks of a move for the superstar, however any deal involving Curnow would require a topliner of the competition in order to sway the Blues.
Names including Errol Gulden, Chad Warner and Shannon Neale have been thrown about in numerous mock trades, while the Suns have several pieces that – if combined - could prove worthy of Carlton’s substantial asking price.
And according to Gerard Healy, any side showing significant interest in Curnow should jump ship entirely, instead turning to a top Gold Coast prospect as a cheaper alternative.
“Here's the question for me,” Healy told SEN Sportsday.
“For those clubs chasing Charlie Curnow, the view is that if they could sway Jed Walter into wanting to go to Carlton and then satisfy the Gold Coast with a trade pick to allow Jed Walter to move, then they could land Curnow, let's say in Sydney or Geelong.
“Now that's the way it's been paraphrased. Well, if it's me and I'm in Sydney, or I'm at Geelong, the question I would be asking is, let's bypass the middleman.
“Let's just go get Jed Walter.”
The 20-year-old has shown signs of a top key forward, however, is still an incredibly raw talent. Across his 16 games in 2025, Walter booted 18 goals, with elite athleticism for his size proving a point of difference.
At it stands, Walter is stuck behind Ethan Read and Ben King in the Suns’ front 50, with Jy Farrar and Ben Long preferred as more mobile and versatile forward options – out of the side, Walter’s value will be far more affordable.
The Palm Beach product was taken with the third overall pick in 2023, and with plenty of room to grow, Healy suggests that Walter would be a significant long-term investment rather than selling the farm for Charlie Curnow.
“I personally would go for that kid who I think could play 10-12 years for you rather than Charlie, who may be better for 12 months, but this kid is (sensational),” Healy continued.
“Look at this kid's highlights; that's how strong (the Gold Coast Suns) are - he's not in the team!”
