Charlie Curnow trade: three Swans could be part of deal, Collingwood also lurking

Jake Beddard

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Charlie Curnow trade: three Swans could be part of deal, Collingwood also lurking image

After being unable to back up the success of their 2024 campaign, which resulted in a Grand Final appearance, Sydney are looking to get busy ahead of 2026, and it could result in up to three key players being shown the door.

The Swans have ramped up their pursuit of disgruntled Carlton star Charlie Curnow in recent days, as they look to outbid Geelong in order to satisfy the Blues. 

Sydney have so far proven unwilling to include superstars in a deal such as Errol Gulden, Isaac Heeney or Chad Warner, but they are looking further down the list in the hopes that they could tempt Carlton.

MORE: Charlie Curnow trade: Sydney will get deal ‘done’, says pundit

James Rowbottom

Brian Taylor may just have the best track record in all of media when it comes to trade news, and it appears he may have been first on this one, too.

Ahead of the 2025 Grand Final, Taylor alluded to a Sydney star potentially leaving the Swans, with many speculating he was referring to James Rowbottom, who is Taylor's nephew.

Over the past week, Rowbottom's name has gained steam when it comes to discussions around the Swans exploring a trade for Curnow, and while his manager has shut that talk down, saying he "can’t see it happening," perhaps a different Victorian powerhouse will swoop.

According to Seven's Mitch Cleary, Collingwood are one to watch for the 25-year-old.

"Collingwood coach Craig McRae last night spoke with Sydney midfielder James Rowbottom," Cleary reported on Saturday on X.

"The Pies are hunting mids and at 25yo he would fit well. His preference is to stay but the last 4 days of the window can throw up curveballs."

Rowbottom has become an integral player for Sydney, playing 95 games for the Swans over the past four years, including two Grand Finals, and finishing third in the club's 2023 best-and-fairest.

Will Hayward

Less than 18 months after turning down a six-year deal from Carlton, Will Hayward may find himself a Blue come 2026.

The Blues aggressively pursued Hayward in 2024 as he was determining his future, tabling a long-term offer to the electric forward.

Hayward eventually knocked back their interest to remain at Sydney, but he could now prove to be the key to unlocking Curnow's move to the Swans.

Albeit, Hayward might not be as keen to swap places with the two-time Coleman medallist as Curnow is, according to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey.

"Will Hayward has been raised in trade discussions but has been reluctant to this point to be involved in any trade. He strongly considered the Blues last year before re-signing at the Swans," Twomey reported on X on Saturday.

Hayward has proven to be a capable goalkicker in his own right, booting 157 goals over the past five seasons.

Ollie Florent 

Once a regular in Sydney's side, Ollie Florent has struggled to adjust to life under coach Dean Cox, being demoted to the VFL at times in 2025.

It appears Sydney's selection decisions may be reflective of their broader approach to Florent's future, after they reportedly told the 27-year-old to explore his options, according to Cal Twomey.

"Sydney has advised Ollie Florent to look at moving clubs to build out its package for a Charlie Curnow deal," Twomey reported on X.

"But Florent, who is contracted for four more years, has so far wanted to stay."

After playing an average of 24.5 games per season from 2021-2024, Florent split his time between senior and reserve level in 2025, only playing 16 games for the Swans' AFL side.

Jake Beddard

Jake Beddard is a contributing Wires Writer at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia.