Sydney Swans star Tom Papley has expressed his interest in his club pursuing a trade for Carlton’s Charlie Curnow, yet he firmly rejects the notion of being part of such a deal. Papley, who previously sought a move to the Blues during the 2019 trade period, has since become a pivotal player for the Swans, earning accolades such as a three-time club leading goalkicker and a 2021 All-Australian selection.
The speculation surrounding Papley’s potential involvement in a trade has intensified following reports that Curnow’s management reached out to Papley’s representatives. The inquiry aimed to gauge Papley’s interest in a possible swap, given his past desire to return to Victoria. However, Papley has made it clear that he is content with his current situation in Sydney.
Background on Papley’s Career and Trade Speculation
In 2019, Papley requested a trade to Carlton, but the Swans retained him, capitalizing on his development into a key forward. Despite this, his name has frequently surfaced in trade discussions due to his Victorian roots. The latest developments, reported by Seven, indicate that Curnow is considering a move away from Carlton, with Sydney, Geelong, and Gold Coast as potential destinations for lifestyle reasons.
According to recent reports, Curnow is even willing to accept a pay cut to facilitate his departure, citing a strained relationship with Blues coach Michael Voss. Papley, contracted with the Swans until the end of 2028, endured an injury-plagued 2025 season, which saw the team drop from minor premiers to 10th place.
Papley’s Response to Trade Rumors
On his podcast, The Early Crow, Papley addressed the trade rumors, revealing that his manager had informed him of the potential media buzz linking his name to the Curnow trade. Papley emphasized that the interest in a trade was driven by Curnow’s management, not the Swans.
“My manager rang me just to be wary if something comes out in the media that your name’s going to be thrown around for the Curnow stuff because of previous years,” Papley stated. “He was pretty clear that it’s not the club that wanted to do that, it’s solely on their management, and they’re looking for someone to trade for Curnow.”
Papley further reiterated his commitment to the Swans, stating, “I’m pretty happy at the Swans. But I’m definitely not leaving if Curnow is coming.”
Implications for Both Clubs
The potential trade scenario underscores the complexities involved in player movements within the AFL. Papley acknowledged the challenges of acquiring a player like Curnow, noting the sacrifices required. “We’re going to have to give up a fair bit and that comes with you’re going to lose a couple of mates, which is tough as well,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Carlton remains steadfast in their stance on Curnow. Coach Michael Voss recently affirmed the club’s position, stating unequivocally that Curnow will remain with the Blues. Voss emphasized Curnow’s value to the team, highlighting his achievements as a dual Coleman medallist and his ongoing contract through 2029.
“Our position is pretty clear. It’s been stated — I don’t even know publicly whether we’ve said anything — but he’ll be at Carlton in 2026,” Voss said on SEN. “He’s a two-time Coleman medallist, it could have been three, who has four years to run on a contract. We feel like he’s an incredibly important person to us.”
Looking Ahead
The situation surrounding Papley and Curnow reflects broader trends in the AFL, where player movement and contract negotiations often dominate headlines. As the trade period approaches, both Sydney and Carlton will need to navigate these discussions carefully to maintain team cohesion and strategic goals.
For now, Papley remains a crucial asset for the Swans, while Carlton continues to hold firm on retaining Curnow. The unfolding developments will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they could significantly impact the rosters and fortunes of both clubs in the coming seasons.
