The wife of one of the AFL's most powerful executives has publicly expressed discomfort over North Melbourne's decision to trade for Nick Blakey, who remains the subject of an ongoing Victoria Police investigation into alleged sexual assault. Felicity Harley, an author and founder of Women's Health magazine, commented 'Struggling with this ...' on an Instagram post from the account Not All Clubs Media, which highlighted the apparent contradiction of a player linked to a sexual assault investigation receiving a multi-million dollar deal.
Harley was among several women who endorsed the post, which began with the observation that 'being a woman in 2026 means watching a footy player linked to an alleged sexual assault investigation receive an $11-$12 million deal.' The post was published on Tuesday.
Blakey was one of five Sydney Swans players handed season-ending suspensions by the club in August after a wild night of partying following the team's round-23 victory over Essendon, just a fortnight before the finals. A separate Victoria Police investigation is ongoing after three women working as exotic dancers variously alleged they were sexually assaulted and touched inappropriately without consent.
North Melbourne has faced criticism from some quarters for aggressively pursuing Blakey despite the unresolved legal matter. The club this month launched an aggressive play for the former Swan, reportedly offering a deal in the range of $11-12 million.
Neither the AFL, North Melbourne, nor Blakey's representatives have commented publicly on Harley's remarks. Felicity Harley is married to a senior AFL executive, though the executive's identity has not been disclosed in the post or subsequent reports.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The controversy highlights the tension between clubs' competitive ambitions and player conduct issues, particularly when police investigations are ongoing.
- It raises questions about the AFL's role in overseeing trades involving players under active investigation.
- Public figures close to the AFL's leadership expressing concern may increase pressure on the league to clarify its position.
Background
Nick Blakey is a former Sydney Swans player who was traded to North Melbourne during the 2026 off-season. In August 2026, he was one of five Swans players suspended for the remainder of the season after a post-match party that led to internal club sanctions. Separately, Victoria Police is investigating allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate touching made by three women who were working as exotic dancers at the event. The trade has been one of the most debated of the current exchange period.
Key Perspectives
Felicity Harley and other concerned voices: They argue that rewarding a player with a multi-million dollar contract while he is under police investigation sends the wrong message about the AFL's commitment to respecting women.
North Melbourne Football Club: The club clearly sees Blakey as a valuable on-field asset and has proceeded with the trade despite the unresolved investigation, presumably on legal advice and with the view that he is innocent until proven otherwise.
Critics and advocates for reform: They say the AFL should have a clear policy preventing trades or registrations of players facing serious criminal allegations, and that leaving such decisions to individual clubs creates inconsistency and reputational risk.
What to Watch
- The outcome of the Victoria Police investigation and whether charges are laid.
- Any public statement from the AFL or North Melbourne addressing the concerns raised.
- Potential protests or fan backlash at North Melbourne games early in the 2027 season.