Sydney Swans defender Nick Blakey wants to join North Melbourne in 2027, AFL Media and major outlets reported on Friday, clearing the path for trade talks between the clubs.
ABC Sport’s live trade blog said AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey reported that Blakey toured North Melbourne’s Arden Street facilities on Friday morning, completed a medical with the Kangaroos, and selected them as his preferred destination. North and Sydney must still agree a trade.
Zero Hanger, citing AFL Media, likewise said Blakey wants to be a Kangaroo next season and that North’s reported offer is worth more than $11 million over eight years. Blakey remains contracted at Sydney until 2031.
Twomey’s earlier Inside Trading column had flagged a Friday decision window after Blakey met Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick, North Melbourne and St Kilda, with Essendon and Geelong also linked. North’s reported eight-year package, revealed mid-week, had vaulted the Kangaroos into strong contention.
Blakey’s father, John Blakey, is a two-time North Melbourne premiership player who played 224 games for the club. Zero Hanger reported the Saints had been prepared to offer three first-round picks in a rival pitch.
Fox Sports’ Day 5 trade coverage also framed Friday morning around Blakey picking a club, alongside the Butters free-agency developments. No trade has been lodged yet; Sydney’s asking price and North’s draft assets will decide whether a deal can be struck before the trade deadline.
A separate TSB post earlier in the week flagged Essendon and Gold Coast as early favourites for Blakey’s call. Friday’s reporting supersedes that destination speculation.
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