Sydney Swans forward Luke Parker has officially told the club he wants a trade to North Melbourne.
The Swans have confirmed the trade request, describing Parker as a “champion of the Bloods”.
It comes after reports the veteran was engaging in early discussions with the Kangaroos, with coach Alastair Clarkson looking to bolster their younger squad with some older experience.
The 293-game veteran does have a contract with the Swans through 2025, with the club stating they will continue to discuss the request with North Melbourne.
Parker described his decision to request a trade as an “extremely difficult choice.”
“My most valued memories have been forged here, alongside a group of teammates who have become like brothers, and with fans who have shown me more love than I could have ever imagined deserving,” he said.
Parker was drafted by the Swans with the 40th pick in the 2010 draft, where he quickly developed into one of the club's most consistent players.
In his 293 games, Parker gathered three Bob Skilton Medals for the club's best and fairest (2014, 2017, 2021) and an All-Australian (2016). With his likely departure, it would mark the last veteran of their most recent premiership side in 2012 to depart the club.
“Coming to Sydney as a 19-year-old completely changed my life,” said Parker.
“The Sydney Swans will always hold a special place for my family and I.”
Parker, who had an interrupted 2024 season, returned to the starting lineup in Round 19 and managed just 10 games for the year. In the 2024 Grand Final, Parker booted a team-high three goals in their 60-point demolition to the Brisbane Lions.
Parker joins a North Melbourne team with the youngest list in the competition through 2024, with an average age of 23.2.
Clarkson is keen to add experienced players such as Parker to compliment the Kangaroos' young talent which finished 17th in 2024.
Parker has also previously demonstrated his leadership, serving as co-captain from 2019 to 2023.
Coach John Longmire said he will remember Parker as a “Swans champion.”
“He has been one of the hardest and most competitive players we've had and his resilience and ability to keep backing up, time after time, is something I always admired,” he said.
“His footy CV is up there with some of the all-time greats.”
