AustraliaNorth Melbourne Offers Blakey $12m Deal
Sydney star Nick Blakey meets with North Melbourne, Gold Coast and Geelong as he considers his next move. North Melbourne has made an aggressive play for Blakey, offering an eight-year deal worth $12 million.
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North Melbourne has made a significant offer to Sydney star Nick Blakey, with an eight-year deal worth $12 million on the table. Blakey met with North Melbourne, Gold Coast and Geelong on Thursday as he weighs his options.
The offer from North Melbourne is a major development in the chase for Blakey, who has five years left on his Sydney contract worth more than $1 million per season. North Melbourne's offer has turned Blakey's head, according to Cal Twomey.
Blakey's family history with North Melbourne is significant, with his father John winning two premierships with the club in the 1990s. However, Geelong was initially considered Blakey's preferred destination, but the Cats' move to trade their pick 14 for St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall has complicated their pursuit of Blakey.
Sydney is not ruling out listening to trade offers for Blakey, but the club is prepared to hold him to his five-year deal. The Swans have been left in the dark about Blakey's meetings with rival clubs, and the situation remains uncertain.
The AFL trade period has seen several other developments, including the trade of Rowan Marshall to Geelong and the emergence of a new contender for Blakey's services. The situation is fluid, with several clubs still in the mix for the Sydney star.
The flow-on effect of Blakey's decision will be significant, with North Melbourne's pursuit of Adelaide's contracted defender Nick Murray also hanging in the balance. The AFL trade period is set to continue, with several other players and clubs still involved in negotiations.
Key facts
- North Melbourne offers Nick Blakey an eight-year deal worth $12 million
- Blakey meets with North Melbourne, Gold Coast and Geelong
- Sydney is prepared to hold Blakey to his five-year deal
- Geelong trades pick 14 for St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall
Three perspectives
Neutral
The situation remains uncertain, with Blakey yet to make a decision on his next move. The AFL trade period is ongoing, with several other players and clubs still involved in negotiations. The outcome of Blakey's decision will have significant implications for several clubs.
Positive
North Melbourne's offer to Blakey is a significant development, and the club's aggressive play could pay off. Blakey's family history with North Melbourne is a major factor, and the club's offer is a major coup. The AFL trade period is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
Negative
The situation is complicated, with several clubs still in the mix for Blakey's services. Sydney is prepared to hold Blakey to his five-year deal, which could lead to a protracted and difficult negotiation. The AFL trade period can be unpredictable, and the outcome of Blakey's decision is far from certain.
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