Sydney’s play for Carlton star Charlie Curnow and Hawthorn’s audacious attempt to snag Essendon captain Zach Merrett will go down to the wire in a blockbuster final day of AFL trades.
The pair headline a series of big names whose futures will be decided by Wednesday’s 7.30pm AEDT deadline.
Christian Petracca (Gold Coast), Clayton Oliver (GWS), Rowan Marshall (Geelong), Callum Ah Chee (Adelaide) and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (Gold Coast) are all still awaiting moves to their clubs of choice.
The Bombers have maintained they will not entertain a trade for Merrett, who is signed until the end of 2027.
Carlton have indicated only a “godfather deal” would shift their position on Curnow, contracted until the end of 2029.
Dual Coleman medallist Curnow wants to head to Geelong or Sydney, with a move north looking more likely after he toured the Swans’ facilities on Monday.
The Swans have reportedly proposed sending draft pick No 11, a first-round selection next year and players Ollie Florent and Will Hayward to Carlton for Curnow and pick No 22.
Geelong’s offer last week of first-round selections in the next three drafts for Curnow was swiftly rejected by Carlton.
Zach Merrett leads the Bombers out … but will he again? Photograph: Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/Getty Images
The Bombers have been adamant they will not trade Merrett, but Hawthorn made their first offer for the skipper nonetheless on Tuesday.
Hawthorn put up their first-round draft pick this year (currently pick No 9), their first-round selection next year, plus a second-round pick this year or next.
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Hawks youngster Henry Hustwaite, who played four senior games this season, was also part of the emailed proposal, which reportedly did not receive a response.
“Our position has not changed,” an Essendon spokesperson said.
The Hawks are expected to explore trade options for their top draft pick, while defender Changkuoth Jiath is set to join Melbourne.
Gold Coast’s deal for Petracca looks certain to hinge on the Suns’ picks No 7 and No 8, with the Demons star contracted until the end of 2029.
GWS look set to send a late draft pick Melbourne’s way for Oliver, while the Demons are set to handle a large chunk of his bumper salary.
The Giants re-signed defender Leek Aleer on a two-year deal after St Kilda backflipped on their plans to trade for him.
Brisbane and Adelaide have been unable to agree on a price for two-time premiership utility Ah Chee, with the Lions keen on Adelaide’s first round pick (No 16) or a future first-round pick.
The Bulldogs snapped up Connor Budarick from the Suns on Tuesday and are expected to send Ugle-Hagan north on Wednesday.
