Geelong put heat on Carlton in Charlie Curnow trade talks as James Worpel, Rowan Marshall decisions loom

Geelong have put the heat on Carlton as they look to quickly move on from their grand final disaster with new additions for 2026.

The Cats fronted up for a family day on Sunday without star forward Jeremy Cameron, who was undergoing scans that have since confirmed he suffered a broken arm that requires surgery.

Cameron will now recover and hope his return coincides with some help in the form of fellow dual Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow.

Curnow wants out of Carlton, with Geelong, Sydney and Gold Coast in the mix as he seeks a new lifestyle and the hope of a premiership.

But he is under contract until 2029 and the Blues’ demands will determine the direction of negotations.

Cats football boss Andrew Mackie confirmed his club’s interest in Curnow.

“Ultimately Carlton have got to be the ones that will determine that market — not us,” Mackie told 7NEWS Melbourne.

“He’s contracted for four years. The other thing is we’ve got to work out whether we can get a deal done. We don’t want to drag things out if it’s not possible to.”

As things stand Geelong only hold picks No.17, No.35, No.53 and No.71 in this year’s draft.

Hawthorn midfielder James Worpel will announce his intention to join the Cats this week but he is a restricted free agent, meaning he could arrive for free or a late draft pick if the Hawks force a trade.

The Curnow talks could impact Geelong’s ability to secure St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall.

Marshall has already met with Cats coach Chris Scott in the fallout from the Saints’ handling of his future amid the arrival of Tom De Koning.

Under contract until 2027, Marshall is reportedly unhappy with how he learned about the deal and what it means for his role.

Speaking at Sunday’s family day, Scott admitted he would rather have wallowed in bed than turn up for the event.

While the Cats were left lamenting an opportunity lost they have finished outside the finals only three times in the past two decades.

In that time they have won four premierships, second only to Brisbane this century after they won their fifth on Saturday.

“We’ve had plenty of forks in the road, if you like, over the last decade or two. There was the possibility that we turn up our toes and go through a bit of a rebuilding process, and accept the best was behind us,” Scott told Geelong fans.

“We’re just not prepared to concede that — and it’s pretty safe to say I speak for everyone when I say we’re not prepared to concede now, either.

“We’re bitterly disappointed. In this game, sometimes all you can ask for is to give yourself a chance. Our players and our club did that for us this year.

“It didn’t work out yesterday, but even when we reflect on the last 12 months, it wasn’t as if everything went our way. There were plenty of challenges that we were good enough to overcome.”

Scott added his emotions had been “up and down” over the previous 24 hours, but he is up for the fight.

“Even though it feels so raw now — it normally takes me a little bit longer than this - but I feel ... I’m ready for the work, to give ourselves a chance again next year,” he said.