Sydney’s Luke Parker requests trade to North Melbourne just days after grand final heartbreak

Sydney great Luke Parker is set to end his decorated AFL career at North Melbourne after officially requesting a trade to Arden Street.

Parker told the Swans of his desire to leave on Wednesday, ending months of speculation around his playing future just days after their devastating 60-point grand final loss to the Brisbane Lions.

The 31-year-old had been linked with a move to the Kangaroos after coach Alastair Clarkson mentioned him during a radio interview in August when discussing the type of experienced player the club needed to help develop their young list.

Parker had struggled to break into the senior side after breaking his arm in a pre-season match and had been candid about his doubts on whether the club still required his talents.

He was expected to return once available in round eight, but was made to ply his trade in the VFL before a heavy bump on Frankston’s Josh Smith in his fourth game back resulted in a six-week suspension.

Parker is contracted to Sydney until the end of 2025, with the club to discuss the request with North.

A former Swans co-captain from 2019 to 2023, he has played 293 games for the ‘Bloods’ and was a member of the 2012 premiership side.

“The decision to part ways with the club after 14 years has been an extremely difficult choice, one I thought I’d never have to make,” Parker said.

“Coming to Sydney as a 19-year-old completely changed my life. Sydney became my home, I met my wife Kate here and the Swans became our family.

“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.

“The Sydney Swans will always hold a special place for my family and I.”

Drafted with pick 40 in 2010, the hard-running midfielder is a three-time club champion and a five-time Brett Kirk Medallist as best-on-ground in the Sydney derby.

Parker has played in 26 finals games for the Swans, including their four grand-final losses across 2014, 2016, 2022 and this year.

“’Parks’ has been an absolute pleasure to coach since he walked into this club all those years ago,” Sydney coach John Longmire said.

“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.

“His footy CV is up there with some of the all-time greats.”