From starting on the rookie list in his second season at the club to winning a premiership, Jarryd Blair’s 2010 season has been nothing short of a fairytale.
He made his AFL debut in round 14 and played 12 of 13 possible matches including both grand finals. After a consistent opening patch in the VFL including representing Victoria, Blair didn’t think his form warranted a spot under Mick Malthouse.??
“I couldn’t really believe it to be honest,” Blair told CTV from the NAU Skydome in Arizona.
“My form in the VFL hadn’t been that outstanding. Bucks said earlier in the week that I was in the mix to get a senior game and I thought it was just for a confidence boost.”??
Blair averaged 16 possessions in his first four outings and looked comfortable playing as a half forward with stints in the midfield.
“After two or three senior games I said to Steele Sidebottom, 'You have a chance of winning a flag' and he said to me 'You also have a chance.'
“I sat back and thought about it and it was pretty unbelievable. I couldn’t have dreamed of it.”
The Wonthaggi native was up against teammate Luke Rounds for a position in the best 22. The two players were selected by the club at the end of 2008 and subsequently became close friends.
“You compete with everyone at the club. It came down to the two of us and I was lucky enough to get the nod.
“Whether he has hard feelings I don’t know but he is pretty keen to get into it this year.”
Blair was elevated to the senior list in last week’s national draft along with teammates Tom Young and Lachlan Keeffe. The three players are experiencing their first high-altitude training camp in Flagstaff, Arizona.
