Will Charlie Curnow follow Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni out the door?
Charlie Curnow could become the third star to walk out on Carlton in the AFL club’s off-season of upheaval, with the spearhead setting the stage for a fascinating trade period.
Curnow had his exit meeting on Thursday, reportedly telling the club he would like a fresh start.
The Blues confirmed on Thursday that Orazio Fantasia, Harry Lemmey and Alex Cincotta have been let go, with that news coming hot on the heels of free agents Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni informing Carlton of their intention to leave.
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But Thursday’s development will ensure a glut of clubs pursue the the 28-year-old in trade period, which starts in five and a half weeks.
Silvagni is an unrestricted free agent, with Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs understood to be at the top of the pack chasing his signature.
Although De Koning is a restricted free agent, Carlton have already stated they won’t match St Kilda’s heftier offer.
The situation surrounding Curnow is far more complex.
Speculation bubbled away this year until July, when the key forward seemingly shut down the prospect of a trade.
“I don’t really want to make this about me right now, but I’m playing at Carlton next year. There you go. Done,” Curnow said at the time.
But it seems Curnow has had a change of heart.
Sydney have been floated as a possible destination for Curnow, as have Gold Coast and Geelong, but it would take an almighty offer for Carlton to entertain any trade.
Meanwhile, Fantasia’s stint at Carlton has lasted just two seasons, with the soon-to-be 30-year-old not offered a new deal for next year.
Fantasia joined Carlton as a delisted free agent at the end of 2023, having previously played at Port Adelaide and Essendon.
The injury-plagued forward played 15 games in his first season at Carlton, but managed only six matches this year.
Cincotta signed on with the Blues on the eve of the 2023 season as part of the Supplemental Selection Period, with the 28-year-old notching 40 games across three years.
Lemmey arrived at Carlton in the 2022 draft from South Australia with pick No.47 but failed to make a senior appearance during his three seasons.
