Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick has been urged to make a “ruthless decision” on his club’s pursuit of wantaway Blues star Charlie Curnow.

Veteran journalist Damian Barrett reported on Wednesday evening that the 28-year-old’s preferred club for 2026 and beyond is Geelong, with the Suns and Sydney rounding out his top three of sorts.

However, the Cats’ run-of-the-mill draft hand this off-season and lack of players wanting to move look set to make a trade very difficult for Chris Scott’s side, leaving the remaining duo still very much in the race.

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In the latest episode of the Midweek Tackle digital-only show ‘Tackle The Headline’, panellists Lauren Wood, Corbin Middlemas and Jon Ralph assessed the trade state of play right now for the dual Coleman Medallist.

“If he rolls into this Gold Coast team with Ben King, he might only have five years left — but he could win two flags in that time,” Ralph said.

“Hardwick’s saying: ‘We’re not sure about our Academy boys’ … give us a spell, Dimma! No one believes you, no one thinks you believe that.

“I know they would like to keep Jed Walter and Ethan Read … we also say your task in the first five years (as coach) is to win flags. So, if you’ve got to make a ruthless decision … who cares?”

“Charlie Curnow into that side, it makes it tick. Think about the delivery from (Matt) Rowell, (Touk) Miller, from (Alex) Davies, from (Bailey) Humphrey. It would be absolutely elite. It would be on a silver platter!”

Middlemas added: “It fits the demographic perfectly as well, doesn’t it? That age profile that they haven’t really got … he would slot in perfectly.”

Should the Suns aggressively pursue Curnow this off-season, it looks likely that for any deal to get done, they’ll need to part ways with one of Walter or Read — both of whom were members of Gold Coast’s Academy before being drafted at the end of 2023.

Both have shown promise in their first two years at the top level, however as young key forwards, are still a while off developing fully. Walter finished the season outside of Hardwick’s best 23, while Read kicked two goals in his final four matches of the season — held goalless in both finals.

However, should the Suns hold their ground on any movement involving the young duo, another Sun who is “open” to a trade could hold the key to seeing Curnow depart Ikon Park for Carrara.

Curnow ‘Open to move’ | 03:40

Sam Flanders, who foxfooty.com.au first revealed back in June was being monitored by rival Victorian clubs, is being pursued by Carlton among other clubs.

The Blues, who are already losing Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni to St Kilda via free agency this trade period, would benefit greatly from Flanders’ versatility at both ends of the ground and through the midfield.

“Could he (Flanders) be a part of the Curnow deal? Could he unlock that deal?” Middlemas continued.

“Gee, it would be a nice piece to get back. As much as you don’t want to lose Charlie Curnow… you look at what Carlton need, and they need really good distributors that can play down back (and) good midfield minutes.

“He feels like he would perfectly fit the Blues’ needs.”

Forgotten Suns small forward Malcolm Rosas Jnr is also expected to leave the club this off-season for one of Richmond or Sydney, while Collingwood’s Jamie Elliott has been linked to a move up north.