Arabic version: تصاعد السباق للتعاقد مع نيك بلاكي

According to ABC News, the pursuit of suspended Sydney player Nick Blakey is intensifying as the 2026 AFL trade period enters its final week, with Geelong, North Melbourne, Gold Coast, St Kilda and Essendon identified as potential destinations.

ABC’s live blog reported that Gold Coast was due to meet Blakey on Thursday morning, with coach Damien Hardwick flying into Melbourne for a face-to-face meeting. AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey said Blakey was also expected to speak with St Kilda, Essendon and North Melbourne within 24 hours and make a decision on where he wants to play next year by the end of the week.

Channel Seven and Trade Radio reporter Tom Morris said Blakey wants to join Geelong, but Sydney has reservations about sending him to a direct premiership rival. Morris assessed Essendon as a club that could satisfy the Swans in a trade, while North Melbourne remained a possibility as a sentimental choice.

Other unresolved deals include Rowan Marshall’s proposed move to Geelong and Zak Butters’ potential move to the Western Bulldogs. The trade period remains open until next Wednesday night, while free-agency paperwork must be lodged by Friday afternoon. Port Adelaide and the Bulldogs have less than two days to pursue that route for Butters, while Gold Coast has until 4:15pm AEDT on Friday to match Hawthorn’s offer for Ben King or accept compensation.

Geelong completed the only confirmed trade reported from the previous day, receiving Jordan Ridley, pick 60 and a 2028 fourth-round pick from Essendon. The Bombers received Jack Bowes, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick.