North AFLW team divided over Blakey signing despite leadership backing
North Melbourne's AFLW team has mixed feelings about the Nick Blakey trade.
North Melbourne's AFLW team feels tense about the Nick Blakey trade from Sydney. The sentiment goes against what management said publicly.
Dual premiership star Jasmine Garner said the team has "a bit of mixed emotions" about the signing. The 26-year-old player admitted the squad is "still probably working through" the decision.
Blakey was one of five Sydney players banned during the AFL finals. These players broke behavior rules at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne.
A police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at the hotel is ongoing. No charges have been laid.
In his statement, Blakey said: "I know I have to win back the trust of the broader community, football and otherwise."
- Eight years, more than $11 million
- Contract value
- 26 years old
- Player age
- Pullman Hotel, East Melbourne
- Incident location
- 173 games
- Sydney games played
Why it mattersThe gap between management's promises and player concerns shows possible problems within the club. It's a club known for strong female leadership and for blending its AFLW program with the rest of the organization.
AustraliaThis Australian AFL trade decision reveals divisions within a top women's football team amid ongoing scrutiny of player conduct and club accountability.
Corroborated by7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 d ago
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