Speaking after the Saints and Tigers played out a thrilling draw on Friday night at the MCG, the 30-year old defender conceded he and his teammates are still trying to find their spark to kick-start their 2011 premiership aspirations.
“We have to focus on getting that passion and intensity about us,” Blake said.
“We’ve lost a little bit of that and whilst we did win the contested ball this week, we didn’t take our opportunities and there were some instances where we didn’t go as hard as we should have.”
Blake admitted his side could take a leaf out of the spirited performance shown by the young Tigers, who came agonisingly close to ending their 13 match losing streak against the Saints.
“To their credit, they fought back. They are an exciting team and they took their chances when they came in the second quarter,” he said.
“They were desperate at the footy and we had periods where we didn’t attack the ball as well as we should have.”
“Richmond proved how hungry and desperate a football team can be.”
After a bright start, the Saints went into the first break with only a 14-point lead despite having four more shots on goal.
Blake believes the squandered opportunities in front of goal opened the door for the Tigers to work their way back into the contest.
We couldn’t convert and take our opportunities,” he said.
“We were not clean and decisive with the footy and that comes with a little bit of doubt,” he said.
“When we’re not driving to the footy and winning the contest, then that creeps in.”
A daunting encounter against the high-flying Bombers looms for the Saints, and Blake is hoping the Saints can break through for their first win of the season against James Hird’s men next Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
“We have got to go back and revaluate and come back again - we have a big game next week and it’s important we really get that hunger back.”
“We have to get fitter, stronger and mentally tougher and then we will move forward.”
