Luke Parker has informed the Sydney Swans of his request to be traded to the North Melbourne Football Club.
Parker has played 293 games for the Swans since being drafted with pick 40 in 2010. He was a member of the 2012 Premiership side and is a three-time Bob Skilton Medallist as Sydney Swans Club Champion.
Parker was co-captain of the club from 2019 to 2023 and has also won the Brett Kirk Medal five times as best-on-ground in the Sydney Derby. He has also played in a remarkable 26 finals games.
The 31-year-old said he has loved his time in Sydney.
“Coming to Sydney as a 19-year-old completely changed my life. Sydney became my home, I met my wife Kate here and the Swans became our family,” Parker said.
“The decision to part ways with the club after 14 years has been an extremely difficult choice, one I thought I’d never have to make. My most valued memories have been forged here, alongside a group of teammates who have become like brothers, and with fans who have shown me more love than I could have ever imagined deserving.
“The Sydney Swans will always hold a special place for my family and I.”
Coach John Longmire said Parker will go down as a champion of the Bloods.
“Parks has been an absolute pleasure to coach since he walked into this club all those years ago,” Longmire said.
“He has been one of the hardest and most competitive players we’ve had and his resilience and ability to keep backing up, time after time, is something I always admired.
“His footy CV is up there with some of the all-time greats. He is a Premiership player, three time best and fairest and is as a Swans champion and fan favourite.”
Parker is contracted until the end of 2025. The Club will discuss the request with North Melbourne. The 2024 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period opens on Monday, October 7.