AS A DEFENDER, Jason Saddington’s primaryjob is stopping his opponent from getting the ball.

What many Blues fans may not be aware of isthat Jason’s defensive skills are also called upon off the field.

Saddington says he is constantly puttinghis body on the line to defend a decade’s worth of clothing purchases from his wife,Cassy.

“Everything has a sentimental attachment tome,” admitted the self-confessed hoarder. “I am pretty bad when it comes tocleaning out the clothes drawers and making space for new stuff.”

“Unfortunately, my wife is the opposite andis pretty ruthless.”

When not defending his 2002 winter-knitcollection, Saddington has busily been trying to cement his place in the Carlton senior side aftera knee injury restricted him to just six games last year.

After performing well in the VFL in thefirst few rounds of this season, the 27-year-old’s patience and hard work wasrewarded in round seven when the former Swan was a late inclusion againstCollingwood.

While he was delighted to return to seniorfootball, the Blues defender says the enjoyment started well before the Piesgame.

 “Overthe last few years I have not been able to play regular footy, so it was nicejust to be playing football in the VFL and not have any injury problems orstuff like that,” Saddington said.

“I guess playing well and training well, Iknew I would get a chance and fortunately I was lucky enough to get it againstCollingwood.”

Saddington has now strung five gamestogether for the Blues and says the club’s change in playing style is one ofmany factors that have the players so enthusiastic about the rest of the season.

“This year we are kicking winning scoresand we are giving ourselves a chance to win, whereas last year, I think we werebattling to kick a winning score,” he said.

Apart from enjoying his football, Saddingtonis also continuing to soak up the atmosphere of Friday night fish and chipswith his family, which is back on the social calendar after a nine-year hiatus.

Regular family contact was one of thebiggest things Saddington missed after he left to play with Sydney as an 18-year-old,but he says in no way does he regret his big move to the harbour city.

“Initially I was a bit concerned about it, Ihad never been to Sydneyand didn’t know anyone there,” he said.

“But when I look back now, it is probablyone of the best things hat could have happened to me. You really have to growup and mature a fair bit because you are on your own. It was a good thing forme.”

Saddington says he is looking forward tothe season ahead and spending time with wife Cassy, daughter Chloe and his newunnamed nag.

“Yes, I have saddled myself up again,”Saddington said about his latest shot at horse-racing glory.

“It’s still a yearling so it hasn'tstarted running yet. Hopefully it will run later this year.”

FASTFACTS

Pets: “We have a dog (Maxi) and cat (Benny). They are actually in lovewith each other.”

FavouriteTV shows: Heroes and Prison Break.

Dare: What would you do: fire walking, bungee jumping, parachuting or ridingon a giant rollercoaster?
- “Iguess I would go with the parachute jump. I wouldn’t be real happy, but I wouldprobably go through with it.”

InsiderTrading: Which Carlton player uses the mirror the most priorto the start of a game?
- “Jordan Bannister. He likes to make surehis hair looks good. He also does a few push ups so the arms look good too.”