Swans’ Hayward open to Trade Amid Curnow Pursuit, Fremantle Eyes Serong Reunion
Sydney Swans forward Will Hayward has acknowledged he could be part of a trade deal as the club intensifies its efforts to secure Carlton Blues key forward Charlie Curnow, while Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is reportedly pursuing Hawthorn defender Jai Serong in a bid to pair him with his brother, Dockers vice-captain Caleb Serong.
Hayward, speaking to Code Sports, stated he “definitely wouldn’t request a trade” but conceded heS prepared for discussions with his manager should Sydney seek to include him in a package for Curnow. “You don’t want to be somewhere where you’re not wanted,” Hayward said, adding that few other clubs appeal to him, though he previously expressed interest in joining Carlton adn working with coach Michael Voss. He maintains his current expectation is to remain with the Swans next year and play alongside Curnow. The possibility of a trade surfaced while Hayward was watching the 2025 Grand final, prompting texts from contacts, but he has yet to receive any concrete offers from the club.
The swans’ pursuit of Curnow comes as they seek to bolster their forward line, while Carlton is reportedly assessing potential trades. Meanwhile, in a separate development, Longmuir has reportedly met with Jai Serong, who did not play a senior game for Hawthorn in 2025 following the arrival of Tom Barrass and Josh Battle, in both Melbourne and Perth. Foxfooty.com.au previously reported Fremantle’s interest in serong in May, and SEN’s sam Edmund has indicated Sydney and North Melbourne are also in contention for the 22-year-old backman. The Dockers are hoping to unite the Serong brothers, adding depth to their defensive lineup.