Despite leaving Australia to head to Canada earlier this year, former Swan Districts ruckman Nathan Blakely has managed to win his very first senior football premiership.

A Swans stalwart who battled bigger and taller opponents in the ruck with great distinction throughout a 127 WAFL league games, Blakely’s career as a doctor took him and his young family to Toronto in June.

He quickly joined up with local side Toronto Dingos, who play in the AFL Ontario competition, and took no time to emerge as the competition’s most dominant player after a move into the forward line.

Blakley slotted 39 goals in his five games for the Dingos, including a club-record haul of 18 against High Park Demons.

His stunning individual form also translated to team success — he won the medal for the best player afield as the Dingos beat cross-town rivals Toronto Rebels by six points in a thrilling grand final late last month to snap a 21-year premiership drought.

Blakely told Bush and ‘Burbs he had absolutely loved the experience.

“When you move to a new place, you’re in a bit of a vulnerable position,” Blakely said.

“There’s a sense of community and familiarity, going to somewhere like a sports club that you can play. The boys embraced me straight away.

“It’s got really good amateur footy club, country footy club vibes. There’s a limited number of people that do extraordinary volunteer work for the greater good of the league, to give (the expats) a sense of community, a sense of Australia.

“In terms of the passion, they absolutely love it as much as any footy club I’ve been to. The boys on game day really, really care.”

When Blakely arrived at the Dingos, he found his preferred position occupied by local Matteo Lugarini, who he believes could be the next Mike Pyke or Mason Cox.

“He’s the best big man for Canada. We’re actually trying to convince him to go to Perth and do a pre-season with Swans or go down to the VFL,” Blakely said.

“His Dad’s actually an Australian. He’s only just started playing football — he’s my size, moves really well.

“Convincing someone to move across to the other side of the world that they’re good at, but don’t know, is always a big jump.”