Charlie Curnow’s manager Robbie D’Orazio reveals truth behind Carlton star’s Sydney trade

The manager of new Sydney forward Charlie Curnow has revealed his motivation behind a move away from Carlton.

Curnow was among the biggest names of a blockbuster trade period as he chased a trade to either Geelong or Sydney.

It took until the final minutes of the window, but Curnow eventually got his wish in a monster deal with the Swans.

The 28-year-old’s manager Robbie D’Orazio explained why it was time for him to go.

“Charlie was always thinking about it pretty early on, a fresh start was always something he looked around the league and saw people do, like Joe Daniher went to Brisbane and played his best footy,” D’Orazio told Trade Radio.

“He loves the Carlton footy club, he will never forget his time at the Carlton footy club.

“But it was a time that he probably needed a fresh start.

“Carlton’s a hard footy club to play for if you’re not playing well and it’s a lot of pressure there.

“Charlie’s a pretty relaxed cat, he goes and surfs most days, so getting out of the bubble is pretty cool.”

Negotiations between Carlton and Sydney were fierce, with the Blues driving a hard bargain for Curnow, who still had four years to run on a lucrative contract.

“Sydney were pretty hell-bent on not giving up three firsts and Carlton were hell-bent on getting three firsts, so that was always the sticking point — especially the 2027 first-round pick,” D’Orazio said.

“In the end, that was probably the one that both clubs wanted to hold, but we managed to get there.”

D’Orazio said it was a stressful day for Curnow, but he’s stoked to get a fresh start.

“Charlie, to his credit, has a smile on his face most of the time, but this day was pretty nervous for him,” he said.

“That last hour, he’s with his partner Tiana, it’s a pretty big move, just got engaged, moved to Sydney — it’s not just down the road to another club we all talk about (Geelong).

“It’s a big move, he’s really excited. Dean Cox, who’s a fantastic coach, really took him under his wing over the last week or so, and it’s a big decision that he’s made and he’s really excited to get there.”