Nick Blakey meets rival clubs as Sydney digs in on five-year deal
Nick Blakey met with Gold Coast but Sydney insists his five-year contract makes any deal "significantly challenging".
All-Australian defender Nick Blakey met with Gold Coast officials in Melbourne on Thursday morning, surprising Sydney's list management. North Melbourne has made a substantial financial offer to the 26-year-old, whose father John played 224 games for the Kangaroos.
Geelong, St Kilda and Essendon have also expressed interest. Sydney list manager Chris Keane said the club had no warning of the meeting and has received no formal trade request from Blakey, despite him speaking to or preparing to meet five rival clubs.
Blakey remains contracted for five more years at Sydney. Keane said any deal would be "significantly challenging" given Blakey's calibre and contract status.
The defender was suspended for the rest of the 2026 season alongside four other players for breaching the club's behavioural standards following an incident at a Melbourne hotel. Blakey appears determined to force a trade before the deadline.
- 5 years at Sydney
- Contract remaining
- 26 years old
- Age
- John played 224 games for North Melbourne
- Father's career
Why it mattersBlakey is an elite player; whether Sydney can keep him or which club lands him will shape 2027 premiership chances.
AustraliaThis trade drama will reshape multiple AFL teams' lists and is the biggest story of the current trade period.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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