BLAKE Acres' mental approach to AFL football has changed dramatically in the space of 12 months.
A talented but injury prone teenager, Acres was selected with pick 19 in the 2013 National Draft, one spot behind close friend Luke Dunstan.
While he managed to play three senior games in 2014, including a humbling debut against Hawthorn in round seven, the boy from the West spent much of the season on the sidelines.
Having just turned 19, Acres was the baby of the list last season – two months younger than Jack Billings and Eli Templeton, and nine months Dunstan’s junior.
Acres recently signed a four year contract, meaning he has plenty of time to hone his craft and develop into the running, jumping, damaging player many believe he can be.
But he’s not interested in biding his time in the VFL despite the cushioning a contract of that length invariably provides, rather Acres has aspirations to play for St Kilda in round one against GWS.
“I see myself as being at the Saints for a long time, regardless of what deal I signed,” he says.
“I could have signed a two year contract but I plan to still work my bum off and approach every year like it’s my contract year. I’ll just work my butt off to get better.
“I’m really looking forward to being fit and healthy heading into the NAB Challenge and into the home and away season… The aim is to play round one.”