The Sydney Swans have selected Nick Blakey with pick 10 (matched bid GWS) in the 2018 National Draft.

Nick Blakey

Club: Sydney Swans Academy
Height: 195cm
Weight: 82kg
Position: Forward

Profile
Tall forward, who is exceptional overhead and extremely athletic, allowing him to play in multiple positions. Long, penetrating left-foot kick in and is a noted goalkicker. Winner of the 2017 Harrison Medal in the Division Two NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and runner-up this year. Has had injury issues over last two seasons and a sore ankle ruled him out of testing at the NAB AFL Draft Combine in October. Exciting prospect who has shown versatility to play a range of positions throughout his junior career.

What they said: 
“Blakey showed his prowess as a key forward earlier this year while playing for the Swans in the Academy series, finishing second in the Harrison Medal as the best player in the series. When stationed in attack, the 195cm forward is good overhead, quick on the lead and tough in the air. He is a raking long kick and is agile when the ball hits the ground, making him difficult to stop. Despite his size and presence as a forward, Blakey sees himself playing in the future as a midfielder. We saw that when he was playing for the Allies in their final game of the under-18 national carnival, when Blakey moved into the midfield and helped turn the game with his powerful clearance work from the centre.
– AFL.com.au draft expert Callum Twomey

“He’s going to be a real long-term player for them. I’ve known this family for a long time and they’re just a quality family. It’s not hard to see why this kid’s such a good person. He’s also a special player. He’s a much better kick than his old man, that’s for sure.”
- AFL Academy coach Luke Power