Joel Amartey to Carlton is the first move of 2026 free agency. Here’s what it means for the Blues, Swans and your 2027 side.
Carlton needed another tall. Harry McKay pushing up the ground left them short in the air, and they haven’t had that contest-creating presence since Charlie Curnow left for Sydney. Amartey fixes that. He’s a versatile key forward who can chop out in the ruck and swing back if needed.
The real win? The Blues fixed a need using only cap space. No draft capital spent, which matters with a Cody Walker bid coming and Lachie Whitfield in the frame.
For Sydney, Curnow’s arrival and Logan McDonald’s emergence left Amartey and Hayden McLean fighting for one spot. One of them was always leaving. The Swans turned Jai Serong into a first-picked player in 12 months, so don’t be shocked if they find another one. I also give you my straight verdict on whether a guy averaging 54.1 in SuperCoach and 50.4 in AFL Fantasy belongs anywhere near your 2027 plans.
