As the Sydney Swans prepare to face the Brisbane Lions on Saturday, 28 September, all eyes are on Waverley College Old Boy Nick Blakey, the homegrown talent who has become a lynchpin in the Swans’ defensive line.
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Rising through the ranks
Nick Blakey’s AFL journey began long before he donned the red and white jersey professionally. Born into an AFL family, Blakey moved to Brisbane at two years old when his father, two-time premiership midfielder John Blakey, took an assistant coaching role with the Brisbane Lions. By the time he was six, the family settled in Sydney as John joined the Swans’ coaching panel.
Growing up in an AFL household laid a solid foundation for Blakey’s future. His time at Waverley College, renowned for its strong AFL program, further honed his skills. The school’s support was crucial during a challenging period when Blakey faced severe stress fractures in his spine, a setback that tested his resilience.
“The AFL program they have implemented at the school is really paying off not only for them but the students as well,” Blakey said.
“They enabled me to concentrate on my footy both on and off the field. My recovery last year was a very long and slow process and the school really helped me get through it.”
Nick Blakey, defensive dynamo
Blakey’s early AFL career saw him kicking goals and spending time on the wing. However, it’s in defence where he has truly found his calling. His transition to half-back has transformed him into one of the competition’s premier defenders.
“I didn’t have a defensive bone in my body and that was probably the downfall of me as a player, early days,” Blakey admits. “But transitioning down back, you’ve got nowhere to hide out there.”
The move to defence sharpened Blakey’s instincts. His defensive skills, combined with his trademark dash from the backline, have made him a key figure in the Swans’ strategy. The sight of him breaking away from defence has become a crowd favourite, electrifying the stands with his speed and vision.
His importance to the team was underscored in 2023 when Blakey became the first AFL player contracted until the 2030s, signing a seven-year extension with the Swans. The extension reflects his long-term value to the club and his role as a future leader.
In 2024, Blakey’s defensive prowess earned him his first All-Australian selection. He was one of four Swans to receive the honour—notably, the only one not from Sydney’s vaunted midfield trio.
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Blakey’s journey from a Swans Academy product to an All-Australian defender is a shining example of Waverley College’s and the club’s successful development pathways. With his signature style and defensive acumen, Blakey’s influence on the game continues to grow, making him a crucial player to watch in the seasons to come.
Published 26-September-2024
