Cats forward won’t be part of any Curnow trade
Oliver Caffrey and Justin Chadwick |
Geelong forward Shannon Neale has been assured he will not be part of any potential trade to secure Carlton star Charlie Curnow.
Neale’s name was mentioned in media discussion about how the Cats could secure the dual Coleman medallist.
Despite being contracted with the Blues until the end of 2029, Curnow is desperate for a fresh start at either Geelong, Gold Coast or Sydney.
“I was walking through the halls (at the club), and (Geelong football boss) Andrew Mackie came up to me and said, ‘I want you to know you’re not going anywhere’,” Neale said on Wednesday.
“I sort of didn’t know what he was talking about at the time and I realised after.
“I said thanks and walked away, and I was so puzzled.
“I later figured out what he was talking about, so it’s good to get clarity before I even knew about it.
“It’s good to feel wanted, but I’m really invested in this group, I’m really happy here and from my part I won’t be going anywhere.”
Neale spoke glowingly of Geelong’s pursuit of Curnow.
A forward line of Curnow, Jeremy Cameron and Neale would be the envy of rival clubs.
“Healthy competition within the forward line,” Neale said.
“He’s an absolute gun player. He’s a superstar.
“He’d be a great asset to have, but that’s up to him and his management and Carlton to work through.”
Neale, 23, has kicked 66 goals in 43 games for Geelong, including a career-best 42 major this season.
Before leaving for an off-season trip to the United States, Curnow met with Swans coach Dean Cox.
In other trade news on Wednesday, Melbourne premiership forward Charlie Spargo, who is an unrestricted free agent, told the Demons of his intention to join North Melbourne.
The 25-year-old played 108 games for a return of 64 goals across eight seasons, including a one-goal effort in the 2021 grand-final win over the Western Bulldogs.
Dockers midfielder Will Brodie, who is contracted until 2026, has requested a trade to Port Adelaide, while out-of-contract Fremantle ruckman Liam Reidy wants to join Carlton.
Fremantle also announced untried pair Jack Delean and Odin Jones wouldn’t be offered contracts for next season.
Essendon captain Zach Merrett is reportedly considering asking for a trade to Hawthorn, but Bombers coach Brad Scott says the club won’t be letting the 29-year-old leave under “any circumstances’.
AAP
