AFL trade period: All the news, developments and deals from penultimate day of trading action

Nick Blakey has admitted he has to “win back the trust of the broader community, football and otherwise” after apologising for his role in the Pullman Hotel incident.

Nick Blakey has broken his silence for the first time since being part of the Pullman Five that ultimately led to his trade to North Melbourne.

“I want to say that I’m sorry for the events that led up to my exit from Sydney,” Blakey said in a statement.

“I know I have to win back the trust of the broader community, football and otherwise.

“Now I have the opportunity to move forward, and I want to thank North Melbourne for helping me find a fresh start.

“I’m grateful I have landed at a place that has such deep connections to me and my family.”

Away from the AFL, the Dockers are reportedly eyeing off one of the best players in the AFLW.

Fremantle have emerged as the front-runners to land AFLW rising star Zippy Fish, with the Sydney midfielder eyeing a return to WA as soon as next season.

Fish is out of contract and is yet to re-sign with the Swans, having starred in 21 matches for the NSW club since she was recruited out of East Fremantle with pick No.5 in the 2024 draft.

Zane Duursma will be on the move from North Melbourne, with the Demons giving up picks 33 and 49 for the Roos forward and pick No.52 according to AFL.com’s Cal Twomey.

The brother of West Coast’s William played 15 games this year, kicking 15 goals, but fell out of favour towards the back end of the season with his last game coming in round 16.

Blair Hartley says he hopes to hear from the Power by tomorrow over their bid for pick No.5.

West Coast are also heavily interested in getting the pick from Port, who are shopping the selection around after receiving it as compensation for Zak Butters.

“It’s more likely than not to be moving by tomorrow.”

He provides an update on Jayden Short, saying Collingwood has offered Short a contract, but did not confirm if the Pies have actually offered a trade deal.

Young ruckman Flynn Riley is on the move from Carlton to the Magpies.

The 22-year-old played just one game for the Blues, in round 18 for the sole game of Carlton’s season where both Marc Pittonet and Liam Reidy were out.

But he can potentially fill a depth ruck need at Collingwood.

That’s a large morning for the Roos!

The reported eight-year deal worth a whopping $11 million appears to have done the trick in prising Blakey out of Sydney.

Their attention will now likely turn to Nick Murray as they look to complete a significant trade period across the coming 30-odd hours.

Barely a fortnight after playing his final game in Fremantle’s grand final loss, Sam Switkowski has a new AFL home - as a development coach.

The 29-year-old is reportedly joining North Melbourne to help their coaching set-up, which is of course led by ex Dockers assistant Jaymie Graham.

Graham was Freo’s forwards coach, meaning he and Switkowski spent plenty of time together. The latter was regarded as one of the Dockers’ highest-IQ players.

That’s a massive trade.

North Melbourne get one of the league’s best running defenders to bolster the start of the Jaymie Graham era. And Sydney bid farewell to one of the five players who copped a season-ending suspension amid the Pullman Hotel incident.

The Roos have been active at the trade table across the past decade, as their finals drought has strtetched on, but haven’t been able to land a player with the on-field resume of Blakey.

Well, that didn’t take long!

Nick Blakey is officially a North Melbourne player.

The Roos get their man in exchange for Pick 6, Pick 47, a 2028 first-round pick, and two second-round picks across 2027 and 2028.

They receive Pick 52 and a 2028 second-round pick.