Brief
Felicity Harley voices concern over Nick Blakey’s $12 million North Melbourne deal
Harley, a media figure and Women’s Health founder, posted on Instagram about the controversial deal.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Felicity Harley, wife of AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley, said she is “struggling” with North Melbourne’s decision to trade for defender Nick Blakey, a player still linked to a Victoria Police investigation, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
What happened
North Melbourne secured Blakey in a complex trade that gave up two first‑round picks and a future second‑round selection. The contract is worth up to $12 million, with reports citing an $11‑$12 million figure.
What the reports add
The trade was highlighted in an Instagram post by Not All Clubs Media focusing on inequality in sport. Harley joined other women who endorsed the post, which began with the comment that “being a woman in 2026 means watching a footy player linked to an alleged sexual assault investigation receive an $11‑$12 million deal.”
What was said
Harley responded to the post with the brief comment: “Struggling with this …”. Blakey later issued a statement apologising for his role in the Pullman hotel scandal that affected the Sydney Swans’ finals campaign, saying, “I want to say I’m sorry for the events that led up to my exit from Sydney… I know I have to win back the trust of the broader community, football and otherwise.”
How it came about
When the Swans scandal broke in August, Harley replied to author Jill Stark’s post about women’s wellbeing in sport, writing, “I couldn’t agree more.” Harley has been voted one of Australia’s 100 Women of Influence for her “I Support Women in Sport” campaign. Tom Harley, a former Geelong premiership captain, moved from being the Sydney Swans’ chief executive to his current AFL role.
Key facts
- Felicity Harley said she is "struggling" with the Nick Blakey trade (smh.com.au)
- North Melbourne gave up two first‑round picks and a future second‑round pick for Blakey (smh.com.au)
- The contract is worth up to $12 million (smh.com.au)
- Blakey apologised for his role in the Pullman hotel scandal (smh.com.au)
- Harley was voted one of Australia’s 100 Women of Influence (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “AFL 2026: Felicity Harley, wife of AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley, comments on Instagram post about Nick Blakey’s North Melbourne contract”
