Nick Blakey begins North Melbourne career as AFL pre-season training starts

Nick Blakey began training with North Melbourne as AFL clubs started pre-season sessions on Monday.

The 26-year-old defender joined the club after a high-profile trade from Sydney, the club where he had played as a Swan.

North Melbourne gave up two first-round picks for Blakey, who signed an eight-year deal worth more than $11 million.

The move comes as North begins a new era under coach Jaymie Graham, following the sacking of Alastair Clarkson.

Blakey remains part of a Victoria Police investigation into sexual assault allegations linked to a hotel gathering on August 17; the players involved deny criminal wrongdoing.

Essendon and Richmond also returned to training, with new coach Mark McVeigh watching the Bombers and Richmond preparing for its fourth season under Adem Yze.

Melbourne appointed recently retired Collingwood player Steele Sidebottom as a development coach, while West Coast and Port Adelaide also resumed training ahead of the 2027 season.