Sydney forward Joel Amartey requests free‑agency move to Carlton

Carlton have finally found their replacement for Charlie Curnow, with Sydney forward Joel Amartey formally declaring he wants to join the Blues as a free agent.

The Swans confirmed on Wednesday that Amartey, 27, had requested a move, industry sources wishing to remain anonymous confirming the Blues had offered the unrestricted free agent a five-year deal.

“The Sydney Swans have been informed by Joel Amartey that he intends to exercise his rights as an unrestricted free agent and join the Carlton Football Club,” the Swans said.

“The Sydney Swans thank him for his contribution to the club. The AFL will confirm the suitable free agency compensation to be received during the trade and free agency period in October.”

Amartey played 15 games this season, but was overlooked late in the campaign and did not feature in the finals.

While the strong-leading forward enjoyed living in Sydney, the offer by the Blues was just too good to knock back.

Drafted by the Swans with No.28 in the rookie draft ahead of the 2018 season, Amartey played 76 games and kicked 114 goals in the red and white.

The move comes 12 months after Curnow was traded to Sydney, the Blues receiving Will Hayward and draft picks in return. The Blues also traded for former Swan Ollie Florent last year, joining George Hewett and Nic Newman – also former Swans – on their list.

The Blues did not immediately replace Curnow’s goal-kicking capabilities, a tough act considering the one-time fan favourite was, at that point, a two-time Coleman medallist. Curnow was again the competition’s leading goal-kicker this season.

In Amartey, the Blues have a strong, marking target to use alongside Harry McKay, who booted 35 goals this season. Fellow tall Brodie Kemp was the Blues’ leading goalkicker with 39, while Mitch McGovern added 34.

While the Blues had a grand run into a wildcard berth under new coach Josh Fraser, they know their list is not good enough to contend for a flag. They have culled 11 players from their 2026 playing list of 45.

Half-back Adam Saad, dasher Zac Williams, the Camporeale brothers Ben and Lucas, Elijah Hollands, former Geelong small forward Lachie Fogarty, Lewis Young, who played 14 games this season, Jordan Boyd, Flynn Young, Irishman Matt Duffy and rookie Harry Charleson have all been axed.

However, the Camporeales, the sons of Scott – a 1995 premiership player who played 233 games for the Blues – may be given a lifeline over summer.

“Ben and Lucas have shown great commitment over the last two years, and although we are not able to commit to them for 2027, we have informed them both that they will be considered for potential train-on opportunities once we have completed the November draft,” Blues football boss Chris Davies said.

As previously reported by this masthead, the Swans could also lose Nick Blakey, who has indicated to associates he wants to be traded. Blakey is one of five players serving a club-imposed suspension for breaching the Swans’ behavioural standards last month.

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