North Melbourne acquires Nick Blakey from Sydney Swans

North Melbourne has secured a major trade for defender Nick Blakey from the Sydney Swans, signing the 26-year-old to an eight-year deal reportedly worth more than $11 million. In exchange, North Melbourne provided a package including draft picks No. 6 and No. 47, a 2027 second-round pick, and 2028 first- and second-round selections.

The move comes amid scrutiny regarding a Victoria Police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne. Blakey was one of five Sydney players who served a club-imposed ban for breaching behavioral standards at the hotel. While no charges have been laid, North Melbourne list boss Brady Rawlings stated the club had conducted due diligence and is “very comfortable” with the recruitment.

Blakey issued a statement expressing remorse for the events that led to his exit from Sydney, stating, “I know I have to win back the trust of the broader community, football and otherwise.” The trade has also drawn social media commentary from Felicity Harley, wife of AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley, who expressed she was “struggling” with the decision to award a high-value contract to a player linked to an ongoing investigation.