The Sydney Swans’ greatest moments have been built on brilliant key forwards, from Tony Lockett to Barry Hall to Lance Franklin – and now, hopefully, Charlie Curnow.

Their move for the two-time Coleman medallist is their most aggressive since the signing of Franklin on a controversial nine-year, $10 million contract in 2013.

Curnow is not quite a Buddy-type character, on the field or off it. Who is? Franklin was one of a kind.

But the 28-year-old could help deliver the Swans what his spiritual predecessor could not – a premiership flag.

The Curnow trade, completed three minutes before Wednesday night’s deadline, is a bold, all-in declaration of immediate intent that answers the Swans’ most glaring question. For many years, they have been good enough to be in the premiership conversation, but without a powerful, dependable focal point in attack, they have failed at critical moments.

Charlie Curnow in his new colours.Credit: Eddie Jim

Their last grand final appearance, in 2024, was a perfect, painful example. Logan McDonald, Joel Amartey and Hayden McLean combined for a total of zero goals and only eight marks in that hollow defeat to the Brisbane Lions. Granted, McDonald wasn’t fit,........

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