Curnow’s preferred 2026 home revealed; wantaway Sun to meet with Vic quartet: Trade Whispers

Charlie Curnow’s trade preference order has been revealed.

Plus a wantaway Sun is set to meet with four Victorian clubs as he settles on a new home for 2026.

Get the latest player movement news and updates in AFL Trade Whispers!

Watch every match of the 2025 Toyota AFL Finals Series before the Grand Final, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

GEELONG IS CURNOW’S PREFERENCE

Charlie Curnow’s preference is Geelong of the three clubs circling the Blues star, according to AFL journalist Damien Barrett.

Curnow is seeking a trade away from Ikon Park in next month’s trade period as the Cats, Swans and Suns all explore ways to acquire the contracted dual Coleman medallist.

Sydney has been seen as the frontrunner for Curnow, who’s believed to be keen to get out of the Melbourne bubble.

But Barrett actually has the Swans third in the pecking order.

“In Charlie Curnow’s ideal world, it’s Geelong, Gold Coast (then) Sydney,” Barrett said on Triple M.

“I expect those three clubs to somehow get involved.”

Of those clubs, however, Geelong has the worst draft hand and thus would make a deal harder to pull off.

“I don’t know how Geelong does it. Of the three, it’s going to be the hardest to get done, but that’s where he wants to be first,” Barrett added.

“But one of the other two, I think, by the close of the trade period will have executed to a deal to get him.”

FLANDERS TO MEET WITH FOUR CLUBS

Sam Flanders will meet with four Victorian clubs next week as he pursues a move away from Gold Coast.

Flanders has told the Suns of his wish to be traded, despite the Victorian being contracted until 2027.

AFL Media’s Callum Twomey reports the 24-year old is set to meet with St Kilda, Melbourne, Carlton and Essendon next week as he settles on where he wants to play in 2026.

“I’ll believe he’ll met with all four of those clubs next week as part of this process,” Twomey said on Gettable.

“Already had communication with (new Demons coach) Steven King, who’s obviously his former assistant coach and former head coach at the Suns for a short period and played great footy with him.

“He’s on the move, he’s going to be in Victoria next year. It’s just about where is the best option for him.”

The midfielder and former Pick 11 is set to command a first-round selection in a trade.

The Suns have dug their heels in on a Flanders trade given he’s contracted. However netting an extra first-round pick would help the club gain draft points for its looming academy draftees.

“Sam expressed an interest in exploring other opportunities for next year at today’s exit meeting,” Suns list manager Craig Cameron said in a statement.

“However we have reiterated to Sam that he is a contracted player with our football club and part of our best 23 players”.

Click here to read article