Interest in Sydney Swans defender Nick Blakey has intensified ahead of the AFL trade deadline. Australian media report that five clubs are considering a move, though Blakey has not formally requested a trade.
ABC reported that the clubs in the mix are Geelong, North Melbourne, Gold Coast, St Kilda and Essendon. Gold Coast was expected to meet with Blakey on Thursday morning to discuss a possible move. ABC also cited journalist Tom Morris as saying Blakey would prefer Geelong, while Sydney is reluctant to strengthen a direct rival.
Blakey is 26 and remains under contract with the Swans through the end of 2031, with five years left on his deal. Media reports have linked his possible departure to the fallout from the Pullman hotel scandal. He has not made a formal trade request.
A move remains under discussion rather than a completed deal. ABC noted that the AFL trade period would close in less than a week.