Sydney Swans champion Luke Parker is reportedly on the verge of leaving the club, with a move to North Melbourne almost certain ahead of the 2025 AFL season.
After 293 games and a stellar 14-year career at the Swans, the 31-year-old midfielder is expected to seek new opportunities at Arden Street as part of North Melbourne's strategy to add veteran experience to their developing squad under coach Alastair Clarkson.
Parker, who has been a vital part of Sydney's midfield for over a decade, is rumoured to have had preliminary discussions with North Melbourne.
His departure comes in the wake of Sydney's devastating grand final loss to the Brisbane Lions, where he played a defensive forward role on Harris Andrews and was one of Sydney's best, booting three fourth-quarter goals to fight out the final stages of a horror day.
While nothing is confirmed, AFL journalist Tom Morris believes the deal is โall but done.โ
โThere is a belief in clubland that Luke Parker has likely played his last game for the Sydney Swans,โ Morris said on Channel 9's Footy Furnace.
โNorth Melbourne will be the club he will go to on a multi-year deal.โ
Parker's departure would mark the end of an era for Sydney. As the last remaining member of the Swans' 2012 premiership-winning side, his leadership, toughness, and consistency have been the backbone of the club's success and Bloods culture.
However, Parker's 2024 season was interrupted by injuries and suspension, limiting him to just 10 senior games โ the lowest tally of his career.
He struggled to break back into the team following a six-week VFL suspension earlier in the season, and with one year left on his contract, both he and the club appear open to a change.
The Kangaroos, who are looking to rise out of the AFL's lower ranks, are eyeing Parker as part of a veteran triple play, which could also see them land West Coast Eagles forward Jack Darling and Western Bulldogs' Caleb Daniel. Parker's experience and leadership would be invaluable to North Melbourne's midfield, which has relied heavily on younger, unproven talent in recent years.
North Melbourne's significant salary cap space and long-term vision under Clarkson make the club an appealing destination for Parker, who is set to receive a lucrative multi-year offer. Clarkson's side is aiming to bolster its contested ball-winning ability and leadership, and Parker fits the bill perfectly.
Despite the Swans' ability to block the move due to Parker's existing contract, North Melbourne is confident in securing the veteran.
Other AFL clubs believe Parker's exit is imminent, with Jon Ralph of the Herald Sun also reporting, โthat this is the last of the 293 games Luke Parker will play for Sydney; I think he's Arden Street bound.โ
Should the deal go through, Parker will join a Kangaroos outfit that is still rebuilding after several seasons at the bottom of the ladder. Clarkson is keen to add experienced talent to complement North's young core, including exciting players like Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw.
Parker will leave a rich legacy at Sydney no matter his future, having won three Bob Skilton Medals (2014, 2017, 2021) as the club's best and fairest, and earning All-Australian honours in 2016. His leadership saw him named club captain in 2019, a role in which he has guided the Swans through multiple finals campaigns to add to four grand final appearances.
