Blamires Secures North Melbourne's Final Roster Spot for 2026

Tom Blamires has been added to North Melbourne's roster ahead of the 2026 season, securing the club's final list spot following a season-ending knee injury to Jackson Archer.

Blamires, 23, previously played for Frankston in the VFL. He trained with the Roos over the summer and participated in a match simulation against Melbourne, which ultimately led to his Pre-season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) signing.

This signing fills North Melbourne's final list spot, necessitated by Jackson Archer's season-ending knee injury.

VFL's Best Young Player Joins AFL Ranks

In 2025, Blamires was awarded the prestigious Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal, an accolade recognizing him as the VFL's best young player. He is the 19th consecutive recipient of this award to successfully transition to an AFL list. Past winners who have made the leap include Sam Davidson, Sam Clohesy, Jake Riccardi, Bayley Fritsch, Luke Ryan, and Nic Newman.

During his impressive 2025 season with Frankston, Blamires played all 21 games, demonstrating remarkable consistency. He averaged 24.5 disposals and 4.1 tackles, earning him a well-deserved spot in the VFL team of the year. His standout performance included a 44-disposal game against Collingwood's VFL team. Interestingly, Blamires also previously worked in Collingwood's commercial sales team.

Averaging 24.5 disposals and 4.1 tackles across all 21 games, Blamires earned a spot in the 2025 VFL team of the year.

SSP Signings Conclude Monday

Blamires' signing is one of several Pre-season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) contracts confirmed across the league as the period nears its close. Other notable SSP additions include Elijah Hollands and Wade Derksen at Carlton, Mitch Zadow and Balyn O'Brien at Port Adelaide, and Chris Scerri at Fremantle. The SSP signing period is set to conclude on Monday.