North Melbourne is edging closer to landing Sydney Swans forward Nick Blakey, with sources indicating the two clubs have made significant progress on a deal as the AFL trade period enters its penultimate day on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
After a period of little movement on the Blakey front, an update emerged overnight suggesting the trade could be finalised as early as Tuesday. The development has given both clubs and their supporters reason to believe a resolution is imminent, with deadline day looming on Wednesday.
North Melbourne's Improved Offer for Nick Blakey
It is understood that North Melbourne has significantly upped its offer to Sydney in recent days. The revised package now includes pick six in the current draft, a first-round selection in 2028, and potentially a second-round pick in 2027. Reports indicate the deal is not far from being completed, with at least one source suggesting it could be finalised before the end of Tuesday.
Blakey has been the subject of considerable speculation throughout the trade period, with the wantaway Swans star attracting strong interest from North Melbourne. For background on how the Blakey situation developed earlier in the trade window, earlier reports flagged Blakey as likely to depart Sydney as rival clubs circled.
For Sydney, the offer represents a significant return in draft capital, with pick six giving the Swans an opportunity to quickly restock their list. Whether the package is deemed sufficient by Sydney's list management remains the key question, though the mood around the negotiations has clearly shifted in a positive direction.
Coleman to Essendon, Vandermeer Also on the Move
The Blakey situation is far from the only major deal in play as the clock ticks down. Brisbane Lions defender Keidean Coleman has formally requested a trade to Essendon, telling the Lions of his decision after several weeks of exploring his options. The Bombers will now need to put together an acceptable offer for the Lions within the next 48 hours or risk missing out altogether.
It is understood that a package centred around pick 21, with additional sweeteners, is being discussed, though whether that is sufficient to satisfy Brisbane remains to be seen. The Lions, fresh from their finals campaign, will want adequate compensation before letting Coleman depart.
Meanwhile, Western Bulldogs midfielder Laitham Vandermeer is also expected to move, with Essendon emerging as the likely destination. The Bulldogs are keen to bring in draft points where possible, in part to position themselves to match a bid for father-son prospect Khaled El Souki on draft night. Rankings for El Souki vary, making it difficult for the Bulldogs to know precisely how many points they will need in reserve, but the club is working to ensure it has adequate coverage.
A Hectic Final 48 Hours Ahead
With more than a dozen deals still unresolved heading into Tuesday, the AFL trade period is shaping up for a frantic finish. Clubs across the competition are racing to finalise arrangements before Wednesday's deadline, and the compressed timeline means negotiations that have dragged for days will need to reach a conclusion very quickly.
For North Melbourne, securing Blakey would represent a major statement of intent as the club looks to accelerate its rebuild. The Kangaroos have been willing to part with premium draft currency, including a top-ten pick, to bring in an established young talent, signalling genuine ambition for the seasons ahead.
For Sydney, the trade period has already delivered the club a strong return on the football field, with the Swans posting a dominant finals campaign this year before bowing out. Managing Blakey's departure, if confirmed, will be the final piece of list management business for the club before it turns its attention to the national draft.
What to Watch on Deadline Day
- Confirmation or collapse of the Nick Blakey trade to North Melbourne
- Essendon's bid to secure Keidean Coleman from Brisbane within 48 hours
- The Laitham Vandermeer deal to Essendon and its impact on Bulldogs' draft positioning
- Western Bulldogs' preparations to match a bid for Khaled El Souki on draft night
Wednesday's deadline day promises to be one of the busiest in recent memory, with multiple high-profile trades needing to be finalised before the window slams shut. Check back throughout the day for updates as deals are confirmed.
