Former Fremantle and Gold Coast midfielder Connor Blakely has returned to football for the 2025 season, signing with WAFL unit Swan Districts for the year ahead.
Blakely did not play last year after calling time on his AFL career at the end of 2023, deciding to travel overseas after nine years in the top flight.
The Western Australian spent eight years on the Dockers' list after being drafted to the club in 2014, earning best and fairest honours with affiliate side Peel Thunder in his first year before taking out the Simpson Medal in a premiership-winning campaign.
Blakely played 78 games for Fremantle before being delisted at the conclusion of 2022 only to receive a career lifeline with the Suns as a Rookie Draft selection. He wouldn't feature in the AFL for Gold Coast, instead holding a role in the club's VFL premiership team.
The outside midfielder is now set to return to the state league scene, linking back up with his junior side Swan Districts for 2025.
"We're thrilled to welcome Connor Blakely back to Swan Districts," Swans coach Andrew Pruyn said in a club statement.
"As a local boy who came through our programs on his way to the AFL, Connor's return is a testament to the strength of our development pathways.
"His decision to come back and give back to the club that helped him get his start speaks volumes about his character."
Blakely's move back to the Swans comes after the club secured ex-Eagle and former Swans Districts player Zane Trew for the season ahead.
The Swans are expected to be without Sandover Medal winner Nik Rokahr, who has returned to South Australia but is yet to confirm his playing future amid a tug-of-war with SANFL side Norwood.
Swan Districts finished third on the WAFL ladder last year after recording 11 wins and a draw from their 18 games before a finals exit.
Their opening game of the 2025 WAFL season will see them host West Perth at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday, April 5.
