AFL trade activity: Rowan Marshall joins Geelong as Nick Blakey targets North Melbourne

The AFL trade period has seen significant movement, highlighted by ruckman Rowan Marshall’s move from St Kilda to the Geelong Cats. Geelong secured Marshall in exchange for their first-round selection, currently pick No. 14, and a third-round selection in 2028. Marshall expressed discomfort regarding his decision to skip St Kilda’s best and fairest event, noting he had not yet spoken to former coach Ross Lyon following the trade.

In another major development, Sydney Swans defender Nick Blakey has nominated North Melbourne as his preferred destination. Blakey, a 2024 All-Australian, has undergone a medical at Arden Street following a reported eight-year offer. While Sydney has not ruled out listening to offers, club officials noted that brokering a deal for the defender would be “significantly challenging” given the remaining five years on his contract.

These moves occur amidst a broader series of transactions involving multiple clubs, including the Western Bulldogs, Port Adelaide, Melbourne, Hawthorn, and Carlton.