The Melbourne city sky was smudged a murky grey and rain spat throughout the short drive from the Arts Centre to the Treasury Building.
It summed up the mood of the despondent Geelong giant.
Just 30 hours earlier he had learned that Steven King had been preferred to him in the grand final, and ultimately premiership team.
But Blake's experience this year couldn't be more different.
Brilliant sun bathed the car Blake shared with superstar Gary Ablett and he knows that he will be an integral part of the line-up that will defend the title.
And the contentment was obvious as he spoke at the 2008 grand final parade on Friday.
"Yeah. It is totally different this year," Blake said.
"It is great to be playing – and hopefully be a part of another premiership.
"I was at the parade last year, but this is completely different."
But Blake's memories of being the unlucky 23rd man have come in handy this week in some regard.
He was able to offer consoling words to David Wojcinski who was omitted to make way for Paul Chapman.
"I have had a chat to him," Blake said.
"Wojak is a great bloke and understands that it's all about the team.
"It’s a shame we can't get have him out there because he is a great bloke and really deserves to be out there."
Blake said he hadn't yet suffered from any pre-match nerves and was raring to get out there on Saturday.
"I have actually been pretty relaxed, looking forward to the game, sleeping well," Blake said.
"Everyone is just looking to getting out there and playing.
"It is just another game of footy, the intensity will step up a bit because it is a grand final so we are just hoping to play our best footy."
