1992
In: John Blakey (Fitzroy)
Out: Pick #68 (Travis Miller)
John Blakey spent the first eight years of his career at Fitzroy, playing 135 games. Desperate to turn around its recent bad fortunes, North Melbourne came knocking with the promise of a young, up-and-coming list destined for success.
Blakey’s arrival coincided with the Kangaroos’ rise up the ladder. In his 10 years at the club, he played in 22 finals and only missed two games between 1994 and 2001.
Despite collecting more than 30 possessions on just one occasion in his 224 games for North, it was a rare sight to see Blakey’s opponent get the better of him over the course of an afternoon.
Always avoiding the spotlight, Blakey was arguably one of the most underrated players in the league during his tenure, but he was held in great regard internally. He was an emergency in the North’s Team of the Century.
To cap it off, Blakey was acquired for a draft pick used on a player who failed to play a game at AFL level.
Overall it was a successful 1992 trade period for North. In addition to Blakey, the club also acquired Matthew Capuano and Dean Laidley, vital cogs in the success of the 90’s.
John Blakey
Time at North: 1993-2002
Games for North: 224
Goals for North: 72
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