John Blakey is set to make a homecoming, joining North Melbourne as Senior Assistant Coach. 

A highly-accomplished player, Blakey played 359 games including 135 for Fitzroy (1985-1992) and another 224 for the Kangaroos (1993-2002) including the 1996 and 1999 Premierships. He is one of just 12 players to have played more than 350 VFL/AFL games.

Upon retiring in 2002, he went on to spend four years at the Brisbane Lions as assistant coach to Leigh Matthews and tasted immediate success in what was their third successive flag. He acted as senior coach for one game in Matthews’ absence in 2005.

At the end of 2006, Blakey joined the Sydney Swans’ as assistant coach alongside former Kangaroos’ teammate John Longmire and under the guidance of Paul Roos.

Blakey brings a wealth of experience to Arden St, which includes a Swans’ Premiership in 2012, and has coached almost every area of the ground.  

A well-respected figure, Blakey was appointed Coaching Director and Head of Development at the Swans in 2015, working closely with current North coach Rhyce Shaw. 

“It’s really exciting to have John return to Arden St,” GM football Brady Rawlings said.

“We know the club has a special place in his heart and he knows what this club is all about.

“He has built an impressive resume over his playing and coaching career which is going to be really valuable to us.  

“He’s tasted the ultimate success as both a player and coach, and there is no doubt he will be a tremendous asset to our club.”