Brief
North Melbourne approves $12 million eight‑year deal for Nick Blakey amid police probe
The Kangaroos have committed to a record contract for Blakey despite an ongoing police investigation into a night at Melbourne's Pullman East hotel.
By Felo News Desk · Published
North Melbourne’s board has approved an eight‑year, $12 million contract for defender Nick Blakey, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, even as Victoria Police continue a probe into alleged sexual assaults at the Pullman East hotel involving Sydney Swans players.
What happened
On 9 October 2026, the Kangaroos confirmed that their board, led by president Sonja Hood and executive Jen Watt, signed off on the offer after Blakey nominated North Melbourne as his preferred destination. The proposed deal averages $1.5 million per season and would make Blakey one of the highest‑paid AFL players. The club’s trade negotiations are set to continue over the weekend, with a trade deadline looming next Wednesday.
What the report adds
The article notes that Blakey’s relationship with the Swans deteriorated after he and four teammates were suspended for a night of “wild partying” at the Pullman East hotel in August. A separate police investigation is examining allegations from three exotic dancers who say they were sexually assaulted and touched without consent. No charges have been laid, and all five Swans players who served season‑ending club suspensions deny wrongdoing. Riley Bice is now being treated as a witness, while Blakey, Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and James Jordon remain persons of interest.
What was said
The Kangaroos declined comment when approached by the masthead. Blakey’s management was also not available for comment.
How it came about
Blakey, 26, has five years remaining on his Swans contract and met with North Melbourne’s new coach Jaymie Graham. He attracted interest from Geelong, St Kilda and others. North Melbourne holds pick No. 5 (to become No. 6) in this year’s national draft, a key bargaining chip as they negotiate with St Kilda, Carlton and Port Adelaide to split the pick and secure both Blakey and defender Nick Murray before the trade deadline.
Key facts
- North Melbourne approved an eight‑year, $12 million contract for defender Nick Blakey. (smh.com.au)
- The deal averages $1.5 million per season, making Blakey one of the highest‑paid AFL players. (smh.com.au)
- A Victoria Police investigation continues into alleged sexual assaults at the Pullman East hotel involving five Sydney Swans players. (smh.com.au)
- Riley Bice is now a witness; Blakey, Heeney, Warner and Jordon remain persons of interest. (smh.com.au)
- North Melbourne holds pick No. 5 (to become No. 6) in the 2026 national draft, which they may split to acquire Blakey and defender Nick Murray. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “AFL trades 2026: North Melbourne board approved mammoth Nick Blakey offer amid police investigation, Zak Butters becomes a Bulldog in record free agency deal”
