North Melbourne is shaking things up ahead of the 2026 season, and it's not just about the players on the field. The Roos have just snapped up VFL sensation Tom Blamires, a move that's turning heads across the league. But here's where it gets interesting: Blamires isn't just any VFL star—he's a former Collingwood staffer who's already dipped his toes into the AFL ecosystem. So, what does this mean for North Melbourne? Let's dive in.
Tom Blamires, fresh off a standout season with Frankston in the VFL, has secured the final spot on North Melbourne's list. The 23-year-old wasn't just invited to train with the Roos over the summer; he completely stole the show during pre-season, including a standout performance in last week's match simulation against Melbourne. His efforts earned him a pre-season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) signing, filling the void left by Jackson Archer's season-ending knee injury.
But Blamires isn't just another young talent. He's the 2025 Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winner, an award that recognizes the VFL's best young player. And here's the kicker: every winner of this medal since its inception has gone on to join an AFL list. Blamires is the 19th in this prestigious line, joining the ranks of AFL stars like Sam Davidson (Western Bulldogs), Bayley Fritsch (Melbourne), and Luke Ryan (Fremantle).
His 2025 season with the Dolphins was nothing short of remarkable. Playing all 21 games, Blamires averaged 24.5 disposals and 4.1 tackles, earning him a spot in the VFL Team of the Year. But what sets him apart is his unique background. While working in Collingwood's commercial sales team, Blamires wasn't just crunching numbers—he was dominating on the field, too. In one memorable game, he amassed 44 disposals against Collingwood's VFL team, even going head-to-head with Jordan De Goey. That performance, coupled with consistent games of 34, 35, and 30 disposals, put him squarely on the radar of AFL clubs.
And this is the part most people miss: Blamires' signing isn't just a win for North Melbourne; it's a testament to the VFL's role as a breeding ground for AFL talent. His addition follows a string of SSP signings, including Elijah Hollands and Wade Derksen at Carlton, Mitch Zadow and Balyn O'Brien at Port Adelaide, and Chris Scerri at Fremantle. With the SSP signing deadline looming on Monday, the Roos have made a statement.
But here's the controversial question: Is Blamires the missing piece North Melbourne needs to climb back up the ladder, or is he just another talented player in a league where talent alone isn't enough? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. One thing's for sure—the 2026 season just got a whole lot more interesting.
