Playing in his eleventh season for the Saints, Jason Blake admits there is something very special about the feeling he gets running out onto the ground for the red, white and black.
“It’s certainly an exciting and unique feeling that I have never experienced anywhere else. I test myself every week against the best, and it is great.”
During the time Blake has been with the Club, he has managed to balance his time to be able to complete a degree in Civil Engineering. Taking him 10 years to finish, Blake is excited at the prospect of furthering his experience in this industry once his AFL career comes to an end.
“I imagine I will go into the construction industry at some level once I finish my football career. Whether it be in project management or development, I will definitely be using my degree at some level.”
After playing a number of positions in the past, Blake seems to have found his home within the powerful St Kilda defensive structure, coached by the highly experienced Stephen Silvagni.
“The last couple of years have been good to be able to settle down into a position and have a niche in the team. You can really focus on the position and what it takes to play well in this role.”
“We’ve got a really great group at the moment, so to be able to consistently work with them has been a lot of fun and works out really well.”
Although this season has been Blake’s first year playing without fellow backman Max Hudghton, the defensive structure seems to have maintained its strength and dependability.
“Whilst it has been different (not playing with Hudghton), we have now got guys like Steven Baker and Sam Fisher who have been at the Club for a long time and have been great additions to our back six.”
With a big game ahead tomorrow night against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, Blake is ready for whatever challenge comes his way this week - even if it is Bulldogs big man Barry Hall.
“I’m set to pick up one of the key forwards tomorrow night, whether that is Nick Hahn, Barry Hall or Robert Murphy. I would enjoy planning on Barry Hall, he is a quality player. Whoever does play on him tomorrow night will get great support from the rest of the boys.”
“Coming off a loss last week we are certainly hungry and are very keen to get off to a good start and really take it up to them on Friday night.”
With every AFL side already suffering at least one defeat so far this season, Blake can tell that the competition has certainly tightened up, but he is confident the Saints have improved along with rest.
“Every team we face is a challenge and we need to prepare for each and every Club.”
“I think the competition is very even, especially with the top eight sides. Teams have definitely improved and adapted to each other but I think we have also improved.”
Make sure you get down to Etihad Stadium at 7:40pm tomorrow night to watch Blake and the rest of the boys take on the Western Bulldogs for the Barker-Whitten Challenge. For Membership entitlements at the match click here, or go to Ticketmaster for ticketing details.
