North Melbourne's $11 million offer puts Blakey's trade decision in focus
Sydney defender Nick Blakey faces Friday decision after North Melbourne tables offer worth more than $11 million.
Nick Blakey, an All-Australian defender at Sydney, will decide Friday where he wants to play next year after North Melbourne offered an eight-year deal worth more than $11 million. The 26-year-old has met with Gold Coast, North Melbourne, St Kilda, and Essendon this week, with Geelong also in the picture.
Blakey's father was a two-time premiership player at North Melbourne, giving the Kangaroos family history on their side. Geelong's trade of its pick 14 to St Kilda for ruckman Rowan Marshall has cleared North to go all-in, vaulting them into strong contention.
Melbourne has made an opening bid for Brisbane's Will McLachlan, offering pick 47, while Gold Coast plans to fly Sam Butler up from Hawthorn for a tour. Zak Butters plans to move to Western Bulldogs as a free agent, triggering a mega deal involving up to seven clubs and multiple player swaps being negotiated with AFL oversight.
- 26
- Blakey age
- 8 years, more than 11 million dollars
- North's offer
- 2 at North Melbourne
- Father's premierships
- Friday
- Decision deadline
Why it mattersBlakey's choice could reshape North Melbourne's list strategy and free agency value across the competition; the mega deal currently being negotiated will ripple through multiple clubs' finals prospects.
AustraliaAFL fans across Australia are watching this year's trade period closely, with blockbuster player movements and deals reshaping several clubs ahead of 2027.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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