Suspended Sydney star Nick Blakey has already become the topic of trade speculation, with as many as eight Victorian clubs considering chasing his services for 2027 and beyond.
The news comes after Blakey and four teammates, Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon, and Riley Bice, have been suspended for the rest of the season for the Pullman Hotel incident and subsequent police investigation into an alleged sexual assault.
Blakey is currently contracted until the end of 2031 at Sydney, but the recent events have led to a reported rift within the Swans playing group, with many doubting whether any of the disgraced five will play for the club again.
The Herald Sun has reported that eight Victorian clubs, excluding Geelong, should it get Zak Butters and Toby Greene, and Hawthorn, should it get Ben King and Zach Merrett in the upcoming trade period, will consider chasing a trade for Blakey.
The 26-year-old is one of the best halfback flankers in the league, and clubs such as North Melbourne, where Blakey's father, John, played 224 games, are crying out for a player like him in their backline.
West Coast is expected to target Warner, who comes out of contract at the end of 2027.
All players would likely come at a much lower price, trade value, and potentially their salary.
Clubs will have to wait to see the full state of the investigation and if any charges are laid, who they are for and what they are, before making serious moves to acquire any of the suspended players.
