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Cornes: Time for Carlton to get nasty over Curnow trade
SEN • October 8th, 2025 10:45 am
Carlton needs to show more aggression and nastiness in their bid to secure star talent in exchange for Charlie Curnow, according to Kane Cornes who has also urged the Swans to pay overs for the key forward.
In what is looking like a two-way battle between Sydney and Geelong, Carlton want more than just picks if they are to be convinced to part with the 28-year-old.
Publicly, Carlton insists the dual Coleman Medallist will suit up in navy blue next season but behind closed doors it is believed they have told Curnow to get them players or there will be no deal.
But Cornes has questioned if the Blues are playing it a little too relaxed.
“If I was Carlton I would identify the two or three Geelong players I want,” he said on AFL Trade Radio. “Let’s say for example I would approach Shannon Neale and say ‘this is the eight-year contract we have for you worth $850-900k, this is the role we see you playing’.
“I would be selling the farm – I don’t know if they’re interested in Neale - but you get his head around a once-in-a-lifetime contract. That’s how I would do it. That’s the only way I see this happening whether it’s Neale, (Ollie) Dempsey or (Gryan) Miers.
“I think the Blues needs to be a little bit nasty and aggressive and ruthless in this and not sit back and just wait.
“How about you get on the front foot, identity the players you want and go to their management and get their heads around going to your club.”
Cornes is under no illusion that Curnow is the best player going in the 2025 trade period and clubs should be falling over themselves to land him.
In the seven weeks since their season came to an end having missed finals, Sydney have kept their cards relatively close to their chest when it comes to trade targets.
They have gone public with their interest in Curnow but insist they will only present fair offers.
Cornes has urged them to go overs.
“Publicly they have said they will put forward a trade they think is fair and they have said they will not overpay but for this one, I think he’s worth overpaying for,” Cornes continued.
“How often does a player that can kick you 70 goals a season want to come to your club. They have a great mix of youth and experience; they have played in a Grand Final a season ago.
“Sydney are after a high profile key forward, that’s the history of the club, it puts bums on seats and makes them relevant.
“Give more than you can, I am adamant Charlie Curnow will be the biggest pick up this trade period. Sydney – give a bit more than you’re comfortable giving, don’t waste this opportunity."
