AFL Draft: Nick Blakey opens up on his decision to nominate Sydney as his club of choice

While most young men have spent the past few years doing everything they can to impress scouts, Nick Blakey has been in the unique situation of having three clubs pitch to him. He opens up on how he landed on his club of choice.

Nick Blakey is one of the best key position players in the draft. Picture: Dominic O’Brien

It hasn’t been a typical ride to the AFL for Nick Blakey.

While most young men have spent the past few years doing everything they can to impress scouts, Blakey has been in the unique situation of having three clubs pitch to him.

As the son of two-time premiership player John Blakey, who played 135 games with Fitzroy and 224 games with North Melbourne, the teenager is father-son eligible at both clubs.

However, he won’t be playing for either.

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Having grown up in the Harbour City, Blakey is also a member of the Sydney Swans Academy.

It was the opportunity to remain close to home that ultimately won out for the exciting forward.

“It was different,” Blakey said of his top age draft year.

“Nearly every boy is trying to end up at an AFL club. To have three to choose from, you’ve still got to be good enough but it is not normal that’s for sure.

Nick Blakey is one of the best key position players in the draft. Picture: Getty Images

“It was a tough decision. I do love both North and Brisbane. But I have lived in Sydney for 12 years. Sydney is home.”

By staying in Sydney, Blakey has the opportunity to fit seamlessly into the Swans set-up.

Throughout his time in the Academy he has had the chance to regularly train with the club’s senior group and even made his NEAFL debut this year, kicking two goals.

Making the club feel even more like home, Blakey’s father is head of player development.

While he was born just after John’s second premiership with the Kangaroos, Nick has seen all the videos and photos and heard all the stories from the glory days.

He even has his dad’s premiership medals hanging up in his bedroom.

However, unlike his father, Nick is making a name for himself as a big bodied forward, rather than a defender.

“Dad definitely just leaves the coaching up to my coaches and lets that happen,” Blakey explained.

John Blakey in action at the national championships.

“He tries to watch all my games. If the Swans are playing on Friday night, he will catch a 4am flight home just to come and watch me play. He loves it and I love that he has an interest in what I am trying to do.

“We are just good mates. We speak about everything.”

The Swans have enjoyed an embarrassment of riches courtesy of their Academy in recent seasons, with Rising Star winner Callum Mills and young gun Isaac Heeney drafted in back-to-back seasons.

Blakey is rated as a top 10 prospect, so will be a bargain pick-up for the Swans, whose first pick is 26.

Age: 18

Height: 195cm

Weight: 80kg

Position: Forward/midfielder

Plays like: Patrick Cripps

Originally published as AFL Draft: Nick Blakey opens up on his decision to nominate Sydney as his club of choice