Nick Blakey, a name that resonates with agility, skill, and a promising future in the Australian Football League (AFL), has quickly become a cornerstone for the Sydney Swans.
Born into a family with a rich football heritage, Blakey’s journey from a passionate junior player to an AFL sensation is a narrative of dedication, talent, and the pursuit of excellence.
Here, we have Nick Blakey’s net worth, salary, contract, career earnings, relationship status, and more.
Nick Blakey’s Biography
| Full Name | Nicholas Blakey |
| Nickname(s) | Lizard |
| Date of Birth | 27 February 2000 |
| Place of Birth | Melbourne, Victoria |
| Original Team(s) | East Sydney Bulldogs/UNSW-Easts (Sydney AFL) |
| Draft | No. 10, 2018 national draft |
| Height | 195 cm (6 ft 5 in) |
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lb) |
| Position(s) | Defender |
| Current Club | Sydney Swans |
| Years at Club | 2019–present |
| Games (Goals) | 100 (32) as of the end of rd 23, 2023 |
Born on February 27, 2000, in Melbourne, Victoria, Nick Blakey’s connection to Australian rules football was predestined.
The son of John Blakey, a Fitzroy player and dual premiership midfielder for North Melbourne, Nick moved to Brisbane with his family at the tender age of 2, following his father’s assistant coaching role at Brisbane Lions.
Eventually settling in Sydney at 6, when his father joined the Sydney Swans coaching panel, Blakey grew up in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and attended Waverley College.
His early football days were spent at East Sydney Bulldogs, where he showcased his burgeoning talent, scoring 18 goals in his final year of junior football.
Blakey’s AFL allegiance was much speculation, given his eligibility for North Melbourne and Brisbane Lions through the father-son rule and the Sydney Swans as a member of their Development Academy.
In a move that delighted Swans fans, Blakey announced his preference for Sydney in early 2018 and was subsequently drafted with the 10th pick in the 2018 AFL Draft, following a bid match from Greater Western Sydney.
AFL Career
His versatility has characterized Blakey’s AFL career. He plays predominantly in the forward 50 but also shows potential as a key defender.
His competitive nature, marking ability, and goal sense make him a valuable player.
Blakey’s athleticism and football smarts have set him apart as a key position prospect despite needing to build more strength and consistency.
On June 5, 2023, Blakey signed a significant seven-year contract extension with the Sydney Swans, which will see him at the club until at least the end of 2031.
This long-term deal reflects the Swans’ confidence in his abilities and importance to the team’s future success.
Blakey’s commitment to the Swans is also personal, as he grew up supporting the club and feels at home under senior coach John Longmire.
Throughout his career, Blakey has worked hard to overcome injuries and transformed himself into a high-quality defender who provides flexibility to the team.
His rapid development over the past seasons has seen him become one of the competition’s premier defenders, earning him the nickname ‘Lizard’ and cult hero status among the Swans’ fans.
Nick Blakey’s Net Worth Details
Nick Blakey’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025. His salary and other career earnings are reported to be over $250,000 annually.
This financial stability reflects his significant contributions to the field and his potential for future success.
Contract and Salary
In June 2023, Blakey made headlines by extending his contract with the Sydney Swans until 2031, underscoring the club’s faith in his abilities and potential.
It is speculated that Blakey’s annual earnings could be around $900,000, highlighting his value to the team and the sport.
AFL Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total | Average per Game |
| Games Played | 102 | – |
| Wins-Draws-Losses | 53-1-48 | – |
| Kicks | 1085 | 10.64 |
| Marks | 353 | 3.46 |
| Handballs | 472 | 4.63 |
| Disposals | 1557 | 15.26 |
| Goals | 34 | 0.33 |
| Behinds | 37 | 0.36 |
| Hit Outs | 12 | 0.12 |
| Tackles | 194 | 1.90 |
| Rebound 50s | 229 | 2.25 |
| Inside 50s | 98 | 0.96 |
| Clearances | 66 | 0.65 |
| Clangers | 452 | 4.43 |
| Free Kicks For | 898 | 8.80 |
| Free Kicks Against | 44 | 0.43 |
| Brownlow Votes | 32 | 0.31 |
| Contested Possessions | 292 | 2.86 |
| Uncontested Possessions | 124 | 1.22 |
| Contested Marks | 33 | 0.32 |
| Marks Inside 50 | 33 | 0.32 |
FAQs
1. Who is Nick Blakey?
Nick Blakey is a professional Australian rules footballer who plays for the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League (AFL). He is known for his versatility on the field and plays primarily as a defender.
2. When and where was Nick Blakey born?
Nick Blakey was born on February 27, 2000, in Melbourne, Australia. He moved to Brisbane as a child before settling in Sydney with his family.
3. What teams did Nick Blakey play for before joining the AFL?
Before joining the AFL, Nick Blakey played for the East Sydney Bulldogs, UNSW-Easts in AFL Sydney, and was a member of the Sydney Swans Academy.
4. How did Nick Blakey join the Sydney Swans?
Nick Blakey was recruited by the Sydney Swans with the 10th pick in the 2018 AFL National Draft after the club matched a bid from Greater Western Sydney.
5. What position does Nick Blakey play?
Nick Blakey is known for his versatility but primarily plays as a defender. He has also played as a forward and through the midfield during his career.
6. What are Nick Blakey’s strengths as a footballer?
Nick Blakey’s strengths include his versatility, strong marking ability, speed, competitiveness, and his left-foot kicking. He is also praised for his ability to read the play and impact the scoreboard.
7. Has Nick Blakey received any notable awards or nominations?
Nick Blakey received a 2019 AFL Rising Star nomination for his performance in round 14 of the 2019 season, where he kicked two goals against Hawthorn.
8. What is Nick Blakey’s contract status with the Sydney Swans?
Nick Blakey signed a seven-year contract extension with the Sydney Swans in June 2023, making him the first player contracted until the 2030s. His contract runs until the end of the 2031 season.
9. Who is Nick Blakey’s father, and what is his football background?
Nick Blakey’s father is John Blakey, a former AFL player who played 359 games for Fitzroy and North Melbourne and later became an assistant coach at Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans.
10. What is Nick Blakey’s nickname, and how do fans view him?
Nick Blakey is nicknamed “Lizard” or “Liz.” Fans appreciate his exciting playing style, speed, and genuine personality, making him a favorite among Sydney Swans supporters.
