Get ready for some exciting news ahead of the 2026 season! The North Melbourne Roos have made a bold move by signing VFL superstar Tom Blamires, a former staffer at the Collingwood Pies.
Tom Blamires, a 23-year-old sensation, has secured the final spot on the North Melbourne roster. His impressive performance with Frankston in the VFL last year caught the attention of the Roos, who invited him to train with them over the summer. Blamires' skills and dedication shone through during the pre-season, especially in the recent match simulation against Melbourne, leading to this well-deserved signing.
But here's where it gets interesting: the Roos had an open spot on their list due to an unfortunate knee injury to Jackson Archer. Blamires' signing fills this gap perfectly.
And this is the part most people miss: Tom Blamires is not just a talented footballer; he's also a medal-winning young gun. He took home the prestigious Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal in 2025, an award given to the best young player in the VFL. Blamires is now part of an elite group of 19 consecutive winners who have made it to the AFL. Other notable medal winners still active in the AFL include Sam Davidson, Sam Clohesy, Jake Riccardi, Bayley Fritsch, Luke Ryan, and Nic Newman.
In 2025, Blamires played every game for the Dolphins, averaging an impressive 24.5 disposals and 4.1 tackles per game. His consistency and skill earned him a spot in the VFL Team of the Year. But his journey is even more fascinating: Blamires has already had a taste of the AFL ecosystem through his work in the commercial sales team at Collingwood. While working for the Pies, he faced off against his former team, amassing an incredible 44 disposals and even spending time marking Jordan De Goey. This performance, coupled with his previous weeks' impressive stats (34, 35, and 30 disposals), put him on the radar of several AFL clubs.
The signing of Tom Blamires follows a series of rookie contracts picked up during the Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) window. Elijah Hollands and Wade Derksen at Carlton, Mitch Zadow and Balyn O'Brien at Port Adelaide, and Chris Scerri at Fremantle have all secured their spots. The SSP signing deadline is fast approaching on Monday.
So, what do you think about this exciting addition to the North Melbourne Roos? Do you think Blamires will make a significant impact on the team? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
