Luke Parker wants to be traded to North Melbourne after Sydney’s grand final loss

Big-list decisions loom after Sydney’s AFL grand final loss but a veteran star has made one big call himself.

Sydney’ Luke Parker has requested a trade to North Melbourne. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Player movement in the wake of Sydney’s massive AFL grand final loss has begun, with veteran Luke Parker declaring he wants to be traded to North Melbourne.

Parker, who has played 293 games for the Swans, won a premiership in 2012 but lost his fourth grand final last weekend, said it was an “extremely difficult choice” to make to leave his “brothers”.

A three-time club best and fairest and co-captain for four seasons, Parker, 31, who is contracted to Sydney next season, is expected to get at least a two-year deal with the Kangaroos.

The 31-year-old battled to get back into the AFL team after breaking his leg in the pre-season, then copped a six-week VFL suspension before earning his spot back late in the season. He kicked three goals in last Saturday’s 60-point grand final loss to Brisbane.

“Coming to Sydney as a 19-year-old completely changed my life. Sydney became my home, I met my wife Kate here and the Swans became our family,” Parker said.

“The decision to part ways with the club after 14 years has been an extremely difficult choice, one I thought I’d never have to make.

Sydney's Luke Parker wants a trade. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“My most valued memories have been forged here, alongside a group of teammates who have become like brothers and with fans who have shown me more love than I could have ever imagined deserving.

“The Sydney Swans will always hold a special place for my family and I.”

Sydney coach John Longmire said Parker would go down as a club champion.

“Parks has been an absolute pleasure to coach since he walked into this club all those years ago,” Longmire said.

“He has been one of the hardest and most competitive players we’ve had and his resilience and ability to keep backing up, time after time, is something I always admired.

“His footy CV is up there with some of the all-time greats. He is a premiership player, three-time best and fairest and is as a Swans champion and fan favourite.”

Originally published as Luke Parker wants to be traded to North Melbourne after Sydney’s grand final loss