Jason Blake

[HoldenMCaulfield]

I did not want to sidetrack the current voting thread, but wanted to comment on SOTD's post:

Jason Blake probably wont get votes again today, but he has been terrific in every game this year.

I fully agree.

Blake has been phantastic. He can play anywhere (even though Koschitzke was the 2nd ruckman last night), will never disappoint and will give everything (like a diving save in the last minutes when the game is won anyway).

We look at the stars like Dal Santo, Goddard and Riewoldt who all have played some outstanding games already. But we would not be where we are (and I think it is far to say that we are where we are - if that makes any sense) without a true team player like Jason Blake (the same can be said for Jones, McQualter, Dawson, Gwilt and Baker).

Our 3-2-1 voting will not properly reflect his contrubution, but I would not be surprised to see Blake in the top 5 in the St Kilda B/F at this time (I note he is equal 5th in Punter's progressive total).

 

[ChrisL#12]

I was once a Blake-basher, as ashamed as I am now to say it. He used to be horrible by foot and hand and would continually turn it over in our defensive half, and I would cringe everytime he touched it. Now though, I am on board and have been since the Port Adelaide game in round 6 last year (last night was my first anniversary of being in the fanclub). He has really improved and I couldn't imagine him not being in the side now.

 

[Armitage2Riewoldt]

Mr. Fixit.

 

[Half Back Pocket]

I was once a Blake-basher, as ashamed as I am now to say it. He used to be horrible by foot and hand and would continually turn it over in our defensive half, and I would cringe everytime he touched it. Now though, I am on board and have been since the Port Adelaide game in round 6 last year (last night was my first anniversary of being in the fanclub). He has really improved and I couldn't imagine him not being in the side now.

I think that Ross has changed the way he thinks. He always had the capacity to get the footy (particularly marking). However, his disposal (Hand or foot) was terrible.
Now (under Ross), it looks like he stops takes a deep breath, and chips sideways to a better ball user.

 

[StFly]

Always liked what he did even if he didn't do it perfectly since you could be assured that he'd bust his gut to get there to do, which in ages past couldn't relaly be said for a whole lot of people let alone our utility types, so always been a fan of the man. Definitely seems to have settled though.

 

[Squizz]

That 50m penalty was typical Blakey though

It's a shame when he occasionally spoils the good work he does, as one thing the Saints have implemented this year is discipline.

 

[cartwright]

He use to be fustrating to watch, disposal / decision making but am really enjoying him playing under Ross. Not being made to ruck is also an added bonus.

 

[Fehring]

Possibly no longer having a coach telling him "you're a ruckman" has helped. I thought Kosi played his worst game for the season yesterday because he had to ruck instead of staying at FF. If Kosi struggles, no wonder Blake did.

I should admit I used to be a Blake-basher too. No longer.

 

[bubblegoose]

That 50m penalty was typical Blakey though It's a shame when he occasionally spoils the good work he does, as one thing the Saints have implemented this year is discipline.

That was an unlucky 50m though. That shouldn't detract from his game yesterday.

Possibly no longer having a coach telling him "you're a ruckman" has helped.

Yeah, ruckmen should play in the ruck ... when Blake was being asked to fill the void, it was just never gunna work. Sure he's a utility player but it was a big ask.

Blake has always tried his guts out. He was always the underdog. When his effort paid off, it was really something to cheer for. Obviously, towards the end of last year & this year, he's improved out of sight. Go Blakey!

 

[SAINTsincebirth]

Watching for the last year, he is playing his best footy and its because he is settled in the backline.
he just needs to relax and have confidence in his own stopping ability and he will stop giving away those stupid free kicks.
he really is a key to the backline as they are big bodies eg blake, gilbert, fisher, dawson etc. not many teams have four talls, but these guys are all agile as well.
he is a like an old fashioned backman like max and dawson as their not as attacking as the others.

 

[dg102]

Jason Blake is Mr Versitile and Mr Reliable... and he's a survivor. Been round forever. 10 years what an effort.

 

[TassieSaint]

Has developed into an ultra-reliable player, champ!

 

[ChrisL#12]

He played OK against Sandilands a few years ago I remember. He kept him very quiet and had the majority of hitouts, really just jumped and sat on his head and Big Sandy didn't know what to do. Ahh the memories.

 

[Squizz]

That was an unlucky 50m though. That shouldn't detract from his game yesterday.

I reckon it was a no-brainer (he was already 1m over the mark and should not have touched Big Willy!!!). But agree he more than made up for it with a couple of saving marks and the diving spoil on Higgin's shot for goal.

Mind you, given the pretty ordinary effort to ping Cross 20m directly in front for a throw and the even more ordinary effort to allow Jason "Touch my Balls" Akermanis within 5m of Zac in a stop play situation, nothing would have surprised with the officiating of Blakey's indiscretion.

 

[IllBeTheJudge]

That was an unlucky 50m though. That shouldn't detract from his game yesterday.

I thought the 50 was there. Bit of a brain fade but overall it was a good game. I thought he might run towards the bench instead of towards the middle after giving it away

Blake has always tried his guts out. He was always the underdog. When his effort paid off, it was really something to cheer for. Obviously, towards the end of last year & this year, he's improved out of sight. Go Blakey!

The turning point for me was when he towelled up Adam Goodes during a finals series (2004?). I think it was a finals series anyway. Although his disposal still needed improving (and has improved, or at least takes the better option) I thought that match showed what heart he has. Which goes a long way to being a good footballer, and defender especially