'Pretty nervous': Inside the frantic final moments of trade talks that landed Charlie Curnow for Swans

James Hird believes the Sydney Swans could become genuine contenders in 2026 after securing Charlie Curnow in the dying minutes of the trade period.

The now former Carlton gun never nominated the Swans as his desired landing point, leaving the door ajar for the Geelong Cats to swoop at any moment.

Curnow's move was not confirmed until just three minutes before the trade deadline, wih Sydney receiving picks 31 and 42 plus a future second-round pick in the deal.

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The monster deal did not end there, with the Blues also receiving pick 11 and two future first round picks (2026 and 2027) along with Will Hayward.

It was a 2027 first round pick that sealed the deal for the trade to be put through, with Oliver Florent's exit from the club playing no role in the agreement.

AFL reporter Cal Twomey revealed that Curnow's four-year deal at Carlton will now spread over to a fifth year when he arrives at the Swans.

Florent leaves the Swans for Carlton, who also received a future third round pick.

Curnow's arrival will be a major boost for the Swans and be a strong help to fixing their struggle up front when under immense pressure.

Hird noted the 28-year-old follows in the footsteps of Buddy Franklin, Tony Lockett and Barry Hall as major key forwards that the Swans have recruited over the years.

"Sydney get the opportunity to be a contender again," Hird said on Nine's Footy Furnace.

"We all thought that Sydney had an excellent midfield and a good backline, but they weren't able to convert up front under pressure.

"I think Sydney are big winners ... but it always felt that Carlton were prepared to do this. At Essendon, the sounds never really came out (for Zach Merrett), but at Carlton, the later it got, it became a very good chance that this was happening.

"They needed a key forward and they got their man, so that's fantastic.

"I think they will be very happy with the midfield that they have got and bringing in those players."

Curnow's manager, Robbie D'Orzario, did not shy away from giving a glimpse into the "frantic" final minutes of the trade deal, admitting that "Carlton were hell-bent on getting three firsts."

"It was always the sticking point, especially the 2027 first round pick," he said on Trade Radio.

"That was one both clubs wanted to hold, but managed to get there.

"Charlie, to his credit, has a smile on his face most of the time, but this day was a pretty nervous (one) for him.

"He loves the Carlton Football Club, but it was time for a fresh start.

"Carlton is a hard team to play for if you're not playing well. Getting out of the bubble is pretty cool.

"He goes to the Swans now and is a big full forward which they've missed the last few years."