Australian Football

Jason Blake gave St Kilda 14 seasons of great service, mainly as a defender from 2000 to 2013. Recruited at number 24 in the 1999 AFL Draft from the Beaumaris Football Club, he made his debut for the Saints in Round 9, 2000 against the Western Bulldogs. Though he kicked a goal in that match, it had a heartbreaking finish as St Kilda gave up a five-goal lead at the last change to lose by a point.

Establishing himself as a regular immediately, Blake played many fine matches as he put together a 219-game career that included the 2009 and 2010 Grand Final, and the 2010 Grand Final Replay. Sadly, despite coming so close to glory, Blake was never to taste football's ultimate success. Always hard to beat when in defence, Blake was on occasion used very effectively as a 'swing-man', moving to forward line to kick goals when required, and also as a useful 'pinch-hitter' in the ruck when needed.

Though he struggled with injury and form in his last couple of seasons, Blake's career had a fine send-off in the last round of 2013, with Blake kicking a goal as the Saints trounced third-placed Fremantle. Blake received one Brownlow vote in that match, only the second time in his distinguished career that he had been awarded votes by the umpires.

Author - Andrew Gigacz