Jason Blake: Thanks for that ... it should be a good night, and hopefully cap off my birthday!
Tassie_Saints_Chick: Hey Jason, great game on Saturday! Good luck on Sunday! You came down to Tassie for the practice matches, didn’t you ... did you enjoy it down here?
Jason Blake: I thoroughly enjoyed it down in Tassie ... it's a great place, and the people are very friendly.
riccardo: Hey Jason, how important is winning the Wizard Cup to the players?
Jason Blake: It's important, but it's more important that our effort and intent is there, and we reach our key measurements. If we do that, we'll be happy no matter the outcome.
sainters: Hey Jason, I was at training today and saw Goddard hurt his wrist, how is it?
Jason Blake: He's fine ... ready to go!
carla_jose: Hey Jase, do you know what the reason was for a couple of the boys wearing arm bands?
Jason Blake: No, I don't actually - I think it was personal.
intensity: Jason, all the best for an injury free season. Where do you see yourself winning a permanent position(s) in the team?
Jason Blake: Playing as a traditional utility player is probably my go this year, and where I can make the biggest impact to the side.
riccardo: Are the guys taking bets on who will win the Tuck Medal? Who do you reckon will win it?
Jason Blake: Luke Ball is in pretty good form ... he's probably even money.
saintbrat: Jason, have the players talked about how they are going to celebrate after Saturday?
Jason Blake: There's an after match function at Telstra Dome, but apart from that it's pretty low key ... we've got a Family Day on Sunday too.
kick101: Jason, how have the players been handling the pressure of playing in a Wizard Cup Grand Final?
Jason Blake: Very well - we realise it's not the official season ... it's another game to find our feet and continue our good form.
kosi_fan_tutti: Jason, did you enjoy beating Essendon more than any other team? I know you supported them.
Jason Blake: Not really because I supported them, but because they are a hard and tough team ... and we haven't beaten them since I’ve been at the Club.
saintbrat: Happy Birthday! There are a few who have celebrated recently - how did Callas celebrate?
Jason Blake: It was pretty low key ... I think he just went out for dinner.
intensity: Where did you play most of your junior footy?
Jason Blake: I was with Beaumaris Football Club, then the Sandringham Dragons. I played most of my football in the ruck.
riccardo: What has been the best part of having such success in the pre-season?
Jason Blake: Probably the positive atmosphere at the Club during the week.
riccardo: What is your nickname at the Club?
Jason Blake: It's Neil - it's a name from a footy trip that's stuck!
saintbrat: Jason, congratulations an a few great games so far - are you pleased with how you are fitting into the side at present?
Jason Blake: Yeah, very happy to be in such a successful and talented side.
intensity: Who has had the biggest influence on your footy career to date?
Jason Blake: Probably Stewart Loewe, Nathan Burke and Rob Harvey.
kosi_fan_tutti: When you are playing in the ruck, do you ever look across at the other guy and think ... this guy is too big!
Jason Blake: No, I try not to think about it! I just focus on the footy.
sainters: Did anything eventuate from the incident with the umpire on Saturday night?
Jason Blake: No, I’ve heard nothing about it - except a few laughs from my mates!
Jessica: Any word on Kosi for the big game?
Jason Blake: Still not sure ... we just have to wait and see how he pulls up after today's training.
carla_jose: Who are you living with at the moment?
Jason Blake: I'm living with my girlfriend – Rachel.
intensity: What did you get from the specialist training etc you did in London?
Jason Blake: Different perspectives and different approaches towards training.
Tassie_Saints_Chick: Hey Jason, how did Stephen Milne’s birthday go? Anything special for him?
Jason Blake: No, it's very low key at this time of year - just a barbeque ... there's still plenty of footy ahead of us.
intensity: You have a bit of toe for a big fella - any reason for that?
Jason Blake: Not really - we're always trying to improve our speed and running at training, so it's just a gradual process.
Tom_Sainter: Last week was the best I’ve seen you play Jason, do you rate that as one of your best games?
Jason Blake: I definitely found plenty of opportunities to win the ball and make a contribution, so I was really happy with how things went.
Guest12518: What do the players think of the new away jumpers? Are they going to be worn in the Final?
Jason Blake: That was our clash jumper for Essendon - I’m not sure which jumper we're wearing this week though.
kosi_fan_tutti: What is more important ... beating Geelong on Saturday or two weeks later?
Jason Blake: Definitely 2 weeks later.
intensity: Any study Jason, or is footy full on for you?
Jason Blake: I'm doing a Civil Engineering/Business degree at RMIT.
carla_jose: Do you agree with what Aaron said about players sacrificing money to stay at the Saints?
Jason Blake: Definitely - we're a team, and we're trying to stay together so we can go all the way.
intensity: What has been your worst injury to date at St Kilda, and how have you had to adapt to overcome it?
Jason Blake: I was out for most of 2002 with Osteitis Pubis. It’s just a lot of Physio, Pilates and strengthening work.
kick101: Who is likely to pick up Ben Graham this weekend?
Jason Blake: Probably Luke Penny or Matt Maguire.
Jessica: Hey Jason, do you see Raphael Clarke fitting into the team any time soon?
Jason Blake: I think he's got a bit to go, but he's got a lot of potential, so you never know!
lenny_rox: Jase, what do you see as being something the team needs to improve upon?
Jason Blake: Probably just the ball movement and our forward structure ... that still needs work.
Tom_Sainter: Great to see Heath play so well on Saturday night ... is he primed for a big year?
Jason Blake: Definitely, he's worked hard in the pre-season, so there's no reason he can't work hard and stand out as a leader this year.
saintbrat: Are the players pleased that Milney is back in the swing, or is he just noisier with it?
Jason Blake: It's always good to have Milney firing and when he does we usually win.
riccardo: What would be your major goals for the year and your career in general, Jason?
Jason Blake: Just to establish myself in the side and make an impact this year. Longer term - to be a consistent player, and be respected for that.
Jason Blake: Thanks everyone for coming along tonight, and I’ll hopefully see you on Sunday at the Family Day. Thanks again ... we’ll give it our best shot on Saturday night!
Thanks Spelly for the transcript!
