Exciting defender Nick Blakey has committed to the Sydney Swans for the long term by signing a seven-year contract extension, keeping him in the red and white until at least 2031.

The 23-year-old, who has played 89 games for the Swans, has taken his game to another level in 2023, highlighted by his dashing display against Carlton where he gathered 26 possessions and 12 marks.

The man affectionally known as ‘The Lizard’ was originally taken as pick 10 in the 2018 AFL Draft and has forged a solid partnership in the backline with fellow young guns Ollie Florent and Braeden Campbell.

Blakey said he loves the club and is thrilled to commit to Sydney.

“This is my home. I grew up supporting this club, so to be here for a while longer is very nice and I’m very excited for the future,” Blakey said.

“I can’t see myself playing football anywhere else, so to be here for another eight years, with next year as well, is exciting. I’m very humbled that the club is signing me on for that long.

“Our team is all so close. We’re really good mates and we’re building something special, so hopefully this group sticks together, and we can do some exciting things in the future.”

Blakey is the son of Fitzroy and North Melbourne champion John Blakey, who is also a former Sydney Swans assistant coach. After coming through the ranks of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, Nick chose the Swans in his draft year as his preferred destination.

Sydney Swans Executive General Manager – Football, Charlie Gardiner, said it’s great to have a player of Blakey’s quality sign on for the long term.

“Nick is a great young man and a very important part of our young group, so we are delighted that he has chosen to extend his career with the Swans long term,” Gardiner said.

“He has some unique talents on field and has worked incredibly hard to overcome injuries over the past couple of years to turn himself into a high-quality defender and provide enormous flexibility to the team.

“Nick has a very strong connection with the club having come through our Academy program as a talented junior and is a much-loved figure amongst his teammates and our staff. He brings great energy and enthusiasm and I’m sure our fans and supporters will continue to enjoy watching him play in the years ahead.”

Blakey joins young midfielder Angus Sheldrick who signed a two-year contract extension with the Swans earlier this season, tying him at the club until at least the end of 2025.

Sheldrick was originally taken as pick 18 in the 2021 National Draft and has played four senior games.

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