Nick Blakey traded to North Melbourne amid sexual assault investigation
All-Australian Blakey was traded to North Melbourne for an eight-year deal worth $12 million despite a pending Victoria Police investigation.
Nick Blakey moved from Sydney to North Melbourne in a trade that raised questions about how the AFL handles behaviour allegations. Blakey remains one of four AFL players under investigation by Victoria Police over allegations of sexual assault at the Pullman hotel following a Swans match in round 23.
Blakey and four other Sydney players were suspended for breaching behavioural standards and have consistently denied wrongdoing; none have been charged. Less than two months after Sydney suspended Blakey, North Melbourne offered him a contract at a salary higher than any other player at the club.
The AFL allowed the trade to proceed despite the unresolved police investigation. The Kangaroos previously cut a player for inappropriate treatment of women in 2024.
- Close to $12 million over eight years
- Contract value
- Pullman hotel after round 23 Swans match
- Incident location
- Four AFL players from the incident
- Players under investigation
Why it mattersThe trade signals whether AFL clubs will hold players accountable for off-field conduct even when winning is the priority.
AustraliaAustralian football's handling of the trade affects public trust in the AFL's stated values around respect and appropriate behaviour.
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