Carlton fans take aim at Charlie Curnow’s ‘cold’ nine-word farewell after Sydney Swans unveiling

Carlton fans have reacted harshly to Charlie Curnow’s farewell post after the dual Coleman medallist secured his trade to Sydney.

Speculation that the 28-year-old could seek a move away from the Blues emerged late in the season but he shut it down at the time, declaring in late July: “I’m playing at Carlton next year. There you go. Done.”

Speaking on Thursday he insisted it was a “gradual” realisation that a change of scenery was in his best interests and admitted it would’ve been “hard” to return to Carlton if his trade talks fell apart.

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Curnow was respectful in paying tribute to his former Blues teammates and coaches.

But a brief post on Instagram brought about disappointing responses from fans who evidently felt let down by the key forward.

“Thanks for the love Baggers, great fun, great memories!” Curnow wrote on a gallery of four photos from his time at Carlton.

The Blues’ cheer squad account bluntly responded: “Good chat.”

Curnow had, in fact, crafted a longer goodbye that went live in his Instagram stories just moments after the original post.

“Thanks so much for everything Baggers,” he began.

“This club has been a massive part of my life, I have grown up here and I couldn’t be more thankful to them for everything they have done for me over the years.

“To the fans, thank you for all your support. It’s been an honour to pull on the jumper and I couldn’t be more thankful for all the support you’ve shown me since arriving at the Blues.

“While I am sad to be leaving, Carlton and its people will always mean a lot to me.”

But the damage was done on the standalone post.

One fan wrote: “What a thoughtful and heartfelt message to a fan base that stood by you through injuries and adored you for years. Goodluck?”

Another said: “Great post mate, from the heart! I felt every single word x.”

One more wrote: “My son idolised you, we all chanted your name and you got the biggest cheers when your name was read out pre-game but that’s all the fans get. Yes there was a small percentage of ‘fans’ that weren’t nice but 98 per cent gave you so much love and respect especially after the multiple injuries… disappointing. I hope you find the happiness your looking for at Sydney.”

Many more replies along similar lines followed.

“This is cold,” one said.

Another wrote: “Is this a joke? LOL may as well have written nothing like we clearly meant to you!!!!”

Some disapproved of the reaction.

“All the legends in the comments will still be lining up asking for a photo if they ever run into Charlie in person,” one said.

“Carlton fans deserve this lack of care from Charlie considering the way they’ve responded,” wrote another.

One fan account said: “Carlton’s message was just as short, some of y’all gotta chill. Cheers for the good years Charlie, it was great while it lasted. All the best as you carve your own path.”

Curnow was a childhood Geelong fan, having grown up in the region, and sought to move to the Cats before talks grew stronger with the Swans.

His links to Carlton were formed well before he was drafted, with older brother Ed becoming a 200-game player after being picked up by the Blues in 2010 rookie draft.