Sydney academy gun Aidan McCartney turns back on Swans to nominate North Melbourne

Promising Sydney academy forward Aidan McCartney has told the Swans he will nominate North Melbourne as his club of choice for this year’s upcoming draft.

McCartney is the son of former North Melbourne forward, Jason McCartney, who had stints at Collingwood, Adelaide and North Melbourne, playing 107 games for the latter.

That of course makes Aidan a father-son prospect for the Roos, and now 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary has revealed Aidan’s preference is to make North Melbourne his new home, rather than stay at Sydney.

The timing of the news is curious, with Aidan telling North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson of his decision last Sunday after the club’s loss to Sydney. It also follows the Swans’ alleged scandal that saw it suspend five players for the remainder of the season.

The decision, however, will be greeted with joy by North Melbourne fans, who were not happy on missing out on Nick Blakey (who faced the same dilemma).

Blakey’s father, John Blakey, played more than 200 games for the Roos but Nick (who had been at Sydney’s academy while his father worked for the Swans) chose Sydney over North in his draft year in 2018.

Nick Blakey is of course one of ‘the Pullman 5’ and currently suspended.

But 7NEWS.com.au is not suggesting McCartney’s choice is due to the alleged scandal that has recently engulfed the Swans.

McCartney had hip surgery in March this year which ruled him out for six months.

Last year the 191cm talent made his debut for Sydney’s VFL team. He also appeared in the under-17s futures game on grand final day and slotted two goals.

Jason McCartney has had a successful career in the AFL industry after his playing days and is currently the Giants football manager.