Brad Lloyd, who recently left his role as Carlton footy manager, has detailed some of the reasons behind Charlie Curnow's intention to seek a fresh start away from the Blues.
Curnow's AFL future has been one of the sport's biggest talking points in recent months, with the official trade period ending on Wednesday and the big key forward linked with the Swans and Cats.
Lloyd knows Curnow extremely well after his seven years in the Blues' footy department and was asked on SEN Breakfast if he was surprised by the goal kicker's desire to leave.
He then explained getting out of the Melbourne bubble, as many players have sought in the past, is driving the 28-year-old.
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“I am a bit,” Lloyd said. “Great guy, Charlie. He just plays with real passion and he lives that way as well.
"I think he’s someone you certainly wouldn’t want to lose. (Back in) 2023, 81 goals for the season – I think when the ball is moving really quickly into the forward line, he is really hard to stop.
“I was up on the Gold Coast with him, went for a couple walks with him on the beach back in the (Covid) hub days, and I think he enjoyed that lifestyle, getting away from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne as well.
"That part doesn’t surprise me, the Geelong or Sydney (factor), but he’d be a huge loss for the club.”
While Geelong's reported offer of three first-round draft picks was rejected by Carlton, Sydney is believed to be considering shipping Ollie Florent and Will Hayward in order to secure the two-time Coleman medallist.
Lloyd stressed the Blues still "have the leverage" when it comes to any deal and denied any issues with coach Michael Voss were behind Curnow's intention to leave.
“Sydney, the fact (Charlie) is up there and touring is a pretty big sign," Lloyd said. "There’s a couple of players in there from Sydney that may have Carlton’s interest.
“In the end, Carlton have got that leverage that he is contracted and worst-case scenario, if things fall over, he is playing for Carlton, which a lot of people will be excited about.
“Vossy has great relationships with the players. There has never been a conversation where I haven’t felt comfortable about the way Vossy’s going about it.
“I would think that this is more of a lifestyle decision, without speaking to Charlie, rather than thinking there was a rift between he and Michael Voss."