Nick Blakey will join North Melbourne in 2027 on an eight-year deal worth $12 million, handing the Kangaroos one of the biggest recruiting victories in their recent history.
The 26-year-old has played his final game for Sydney after the clubs agreed a trade headlined by North Melbourne’s sixth pick in this year’s draft and a first-round selection in 2028.
Blakey is an All-Australian who has appeared in two grand finals. He grew up in Sydney and initially chose the Swans rather than joining North as a father-son selection, despite his father John being a dual premiership player for the Kangaroos.
He had also been linked with Geelong, but will instead move to Arden Street for the next stage of his career.
North Melbourne land long-term target
The deal represents a significant success for North Melbourne list boss Brady Rawlings and the club’s recruiting department, after a series of unsuccessful attempts to attract established stars.
The Kangaroos missed out on Isaac Heeney, Josh Kelly, Jordan De Goey and Andrew Gaff, while Dustin Martin rejected an offer reported to be worth $11 million over seven years in 2017. North Melbourne were also viewed as little more than a stalking horse when Dan Houston considered his options before joining Collingwood.
Blakey’s family connection helped the Kangaroos’ prospects, as did the size of the contract and the club’s improved outlook. North Melbourne finished 14th last season, following a prolonged period in the lower reaches of the ladder.
The club has endured major player turnover, priority picks and several coaching changes since finishing ninth in 2018. It also recently parted company with Alastair Clarkson and turned to Jaymie Graham as it seeks to accelerate its rebuild.
North Melbourne will expect Blakey to help drive a rise up the ladder next year, with the new top-10 format creating the possibility of a wildcard challenge. The club is also seeking to secure contracted Adelaide defender Nick Murray before the trade deadline.
Blakey’s move follows a breakdown in his relationship with Sydney after the events of the early hours of August 17 at the Pullman hotel in East Melbourne. He was one of five Swans players given season-ending suspensions over their involvement in a night of partying.
A Victoria Police investigation remains under way after three women working as exotic dancers made allegations of sexual assault and non-consensual touching. No charges have been laid, and all five Sydney players who served suspensions denied criminal wrongdoing. Riley Bice, one of the players, is no longer a subject of the investigation and is being treated as a witness.
The scale of Blakey’s contract and the draft capital surrendered for him will bring heightened expectations at North Melbourne. The club’s success in using him, and his impact on the field, will be central to whether the Kangaroos can establish themselves as an attractive destination for further high-profile recruits.
