North Melbourne have improved their offer to Sydney for Nick Blakey as they look to land the star defender before the end of the trade period.
Blakey’s desired move to North Melbourne is looming as the biggest trade ahead of Wednesday night’s deadline.
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The 26-year-old still has five more years to run on his Sydney deal, but wants out of the Swans after being part of the Pullman Five who were suspended for the tail-end of the 2026 season.
The Kangaroos dangled an eight-year offer with a much-improved salary and he eventually requested a trade to follow in the footsteps of father John, who played 224 games across 10 seasons.
North’s initial trade offer of pick No.6 and a later swap of picks was swiftly knocked back by the Swans last week, but they have now upped it to include another first-round pick.
7NEWS reporter Tom Morris revealed North Melbourne are expected to offer pick No.6 and their 2028 first-round pick, and possible a future second-rounder, as the base of their improved offer.
“I’m confident now that given there has been progress today, the Nick Blakey deal will get done,” Morris said on The Agenda Setters.
7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary added: “That’s a significant offer for a player, who let’s be honest he isn’t wanting to go back to Sydney and Sydney know that. Pick No.6 and a future first-rounder is a pretty big carrot.”
North’s pursuit of Blakey has clouded their ability to land Adelaide defender Nick Murray with the Crows adamant they want a pick in this year’s draft.
Murray is contracted for two more years and will likely get more opportunities next year after the departure of Jordon Butts to the Western Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, the Swans are eyeing former Carlton defender Zac Williams as a potential delisted free agent, according to 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary.
Williams was delisted by the Blues at the end of the season, bringing an end to his six-year stint at the club.
But he could earn a lifeline at the Swans, who will need reinforcements off half-back.
As well as the likely departure of Blakey, veteran Harry Cunningham is off to join Adelaide and skipper Callum Mills will miss most of 2027 after tearing his ACL.
Williams played just nine senior games this year with his last coming in Round 10, which was Josh Fraser’s first in charge.
He has played a total of 183 games after beginning his career at the Giants in 2013.
