Connor Blakely Returns to Swans

Swan Districts is proud to announce prodigal son, Connor Blakely, will join his brother Nathan ‘Doc’ Blakely, here at Steel Blue Oval, for the 2025 Sullivan Logistics WAFL season.

"We're thrilled to welcome Connor Blakely back to Swan Districts. 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.”, says Andrew Pruyn, Senior WAFL Coach.

The midfielder powerhouse took a year off football in 2024 providing him the opportunity to travel and play cricket in England. Connors return to the Swan Districts feeling refreshed, bringing an exciting dynamic to the club and the upcoming season.

“The desire to return back to where my senior football career started was a motivating factor, as well as playing under senior coach Andrew Pruyn, who has a playing group that has found itself at home in his game style. To have gotten to the preliminary finals last year shows the depth of the squad, with some good young talent coming through” says Connor.

“And to play with my big brother Nath is something to really look forward to”

“It's not often we see siblings playing together at this level, and their connection on and off the field will undoubtedly benefit the squad and the younger players”, says Andrew Pruyn.

“As a versatile midfielder who also excels in defence, Connor gives the Senior Men’s team more options and depth. As a club we are excited to see how Connor's return will contribute to our team's performance as we aim for success in the upcoming season. His decision to play for the right reasons, giving back to his roots, aligns perfectly with our club's values and community focus." 

Originally from Bunbury in the states Southwest Football League, Blakely debuted for Swan Districts in 2013 playing a total 15 League games until the end of 2014 when he was selected by Fremantle with the 34^th selection in the AFL National Draft. He debuted for Fremantle the following year playing a total 78 AFL games in 7 seasons between 2015 and 2022 before transferring to Gold Coast where he played in the club’s inaugural Grand Final win.

While at Fremantle, Blakely played 49 WAFL games for Peel over 5 seasons averaging 26 disposals. He won Peel’s Fairest and Best in 2015 and the Simpson Medal with 38 possessions in Peel’s 2016 winning Grand Final.

We look forward to our future with Connor Blakely this 2025 Sullivan Logistics WAFL season and excitedly welcome him back to the Swan Districts Football Club.