Nick Blakey to join North Melbourne from Sydney in 2027

Nick Blakey, a 26-year-old Sydney Swans player and All-Australian, will join North Melbourne in 2027.

He has played in two grand finals and grew up in Sydney, but his father, John, was a dual premiership player for North.

Blakey was contracted to Sydney for five more seasons, but decided his relationship with the club could not be repaired after events at a hotel in East Melbourne on August 17.

North’s deal with him will run for at least eight seasons.

The move is a major recruitment success for the Kangaroos, who have often missed out on high-profile players and have finished near the bottom of the ladder in recent years.

The club has also sacked coach Alastair Clarkson and turned to Jaymie Graham, while its improving results have raised hopes of a stronger season.

North will be expected to improve next year, and Blakey’s performance will help show whether the club has turned a corner.