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“Nick Blakey was given a frosty farewell by Sydney and hailed by North Melbourne as a game changer, as he apologised for his role in the Pullman Hotel scandal that rocked the Swans’ finals campaign.”

“He grew up in Sydney and chose to start with the Swans instead of being a father-son selection at the Kangaroos, where his father John was a dual premiership player, and flirted with a move to Geelong before eventually choosing North.”

“That’s because Blakey remains one of four AFL players still subject to a Victoria Police investigation into allegations of sexual assault at the Pullman hotel, where the Swans were staying after beating Essendon at the MCG in round 23.”

“Blakey was one of five Sydney players handed season-ending suspensions by the club for their part in a wild night of partying in August after the Swans’ victory over Essendon in round 23, just a fortnight from the start of the finals.”

“The policy is in the news now because of allegations of drug use by the so-called "Pullman Five"; five Sydney Swans players involved in the Pullman Hotel scandal in August.”

“How does a player who found himself in strife – and suspended by the Swans alongside four teammates for breach of standards and professional conduct – end up profiting from his mistake (aside from some sharp work by his agent)?”

“He will get to Arden Street, but Sydney are well within their rights to demand a high price for a player with five years left on his contract.”