Nathan “Doc” Blakely wins premiership and Norm Smith Medal in Canada

Former Swannie kicks six goals and claims Norm Smith Medal to help Toronto Dingos end a 21-year drought.

After 127 WAFL games, former Swan Districts player Nate Blakely is now a premiership player. Blakely booted six goals and won the Norm Smith Medal to help the Toronto Dingos beat the Toronto Rebels 9.7 (61) to 8.7 (55) in the 2026 AFL Ontario Grand Final on Saturday. The win that ended a 21-year premiership drought for the Dingos was Blakely’s first-ever premiership.

“The grand final was a cracker, high intensity and really contested against a quality side, and we were fortunate to get the win,” said Blakely. “After I’ve had a career of battling away in the ruck and not kicking many, it was fun to go forward and kick a few this half a year. Maybe the Sherrins are a bit easier to kick than the Burleys!”

As well as a premiership to his name, Blakely kicked 50 goals in seven games – including 11 goals in two finals – and produced a club record when he kicked 18.3 against the High Park Demons. He was also named as the Full Forward in the All-AFL Ontario Team. Blakely said the role of an Australian player in Canada goes well beyond kicking goals.

“With only six Aussies allowed on the fi eld, the Canadians make up most of the side, so it’s on us Aussies to lift their skills and game sense every week,” he said. “I tried to bring a bit of what I learned at Swans to training, mainly fundamentals, a few drills and some of the defensive stuff, and it’s been great watching guys grow their game.” Dingos President and Coach Justin Robertson said Blakely’s influence reached well beyond his performance on game days.

“What stood out was how quickly he became one of us with his affable and laid-back personality,” Robertson said. “Doc brought a WAFL-level standard to our club in how to prepare and things like positioning on the fi eld. We’ve got young Canadians who are still new to the game, and they’ve spent the last few months learning from someone who’s played elite-level football over a long period of time. That’s been so invaluable for us to have.”

The move to Canada came at the end of a long WAFL career, and Blakely said the Dingos quickly gave him a reason to keep playing.

“When I finished up at Swans earlier this year it was such a peak and culmination of so many years I didn’t know if I’d even play footy in Canada, but missing the community and exercise I rocked up and the Dingos took me in with open arms,” he said. “The Canadian boys come from all sorts of backgrounds like lacrosse and ice hockey, but enjoy the serious sport culture after fi nishing up at their college sports. They really thrive on the club culture straight away and play with real heart. A lot of them wouldn’t look out of place at a local club back home.”

Blakely’s time in Toronto may have been short, but he believes the connection to the club will outlast it. He also had a message for fellow Australians living abroad.

“I feel really lucky with the friendships I’ve made here in a few short months, and now I’ve found an excuse to come back for reunions down the track,” said Blakely. “If you’re an Aussie living overseas, seek out your local footy club and get involved. Being part of that community is massive, and after all those years playing, we’ve got so much to give in knowledge and in building a positive footy culture.”

This year marks the Dingos’ 30th Anniversary of the Football Club. Keep up with the Dingo’s on Facebook here.