Flag Eagle confirms new club of choice; future star who could help Curnow trade — Trade Whispers

A West Coast premiership player has confirmed his preferred club of choice for 2026, despite still being in-contract.

Plus, a future star of the competition has been floated as the potential answer that lets Charlie Curnow walk out of Ikon Park.

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PREMIERSHIP EAGLE CONFIRMS CLUB OF CHOICE... BUT STILL MUST STRIKE TRADE

West Coast premiership player Liam Ryan has reportedly confirmed his desired destination this off-season.

AFL Media reported on Saturday afternoon that the 28-year-old will request a trade to St Kilda in the coming weeks, after informing the Eagles late last month that he would like to play elsewhere next year.

It comes after ABC Sport’s Alexia Pesce first reported the Saints’ multi-year deal on the table for Ryan, which was bizarrely refuted by Ryan’s management on social media. The report was proved correct just hours later.

Contracted until the end of next year to Lathlain, St Kilda would need to strike a trade with the Eagles if they were to acquire Ryan. In a statement released after the livewire forward told the club of his trade preference, West Coast released a short statement suggesting that, on face value, they were not eager to entertain a trade.

“During our end-of-season player review process, Liam informed the Club of his request to be traded,” Head of List Management and Recruiting Matt Clarke said.

“Given his contract status and importance to our developing squad, we have reiterated to Liam that he is a required player at our football club, and we view him as part of our future.

“Out of respect to Liam and his management, we will continue discussions over the coming weeks.”

St Kilda’s offer is widely believed to be a three-year deal, with a trigger for a fourth year.

Ryan’s decision follows that of Carlton duo Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni declaring their want to join the Saints during the free agency period.

FUTURE STAR WHO COULD UNLOCK CURNOW TRADE

As Charlie Curnow’s future at Ikon Park continues to dominate headlines, one rival player has been revealed as a name who could sway the interest of Carlton.

Herald Sun Chief Football Writer Jay Clark wrote on Friday afternoon that 20-year-old Gold Coast Academy product Jed Walter shapes as one of very few players who may bring the Blues to the trade table for their own dual Coleman Medalist.

The second-year key forward, who hasn’t played senior football since Round 19 this year, is considered a future star of the AFL with many attributes similar to Curnow himself.

Curnow reportedly met with Sydney coach Dean Cox before leaving the country this off-season, and has raised the possibility of a move elsewhere for “lifestyle” purposes in his exit meeting.

Carlton swiftly rejected any possibility of a move, before coach Michael Voss spoke on airwaves to later tell rival clubs they shouldn’t even bother negotiations for the 28-year-old.

Curnow is contracted until the end of 2029, with Nine Chief Football Reporter Tom Morris first reporting of his desire to play at a second club back in July.

Sydney, Geelong and Gold Coast are the three clubs the superstar key forward is believed to be open to moving to.

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