Jason Blake

ark · Post: # 605506Post **ark** » Sat 19 Jul 2008 11:31pm

Deserves a thread of his own for tonight's effort.

3rd Q.
Rucked for 10+ minutes at a critical stage. Did the job.
7-0 clearances (Ch 10 - may or may not be accurate)
3 goals.

Integral to our comeback.

Not the most skilled. Much maligned. Alway tries. Doesn't give up.

Deserves some praise for his efforts tonight.

stinger · Post: # 605511Post **stinger** » Sat 19 Jul 2008 11:34pm

could not agree more....it was him , roo and dal who turned the game around.....

JeffDunne · Post: # 605512Post **JeffDunne** » Sat 19 Jul 2008 11:35pm

Last week when Gwilt gave away that 50 it was Blake that came in and fended off the Hawthorn players then wrapped his arms around Gwilt and march him away from the pack.

He's grown incredibly this year as one of the team's leaders and hasn't it turned him into one hell of a footballer?

Who would of thought? (other than Grant Thomas that is

)

Well done Blakey - inspirational performance!!

evertonfc · Post: # 605513Post **evertonfc** » Sat 19 Jul 2008 11:35pm

Started awfully, came back and played - as MMM called it 'the bloody game of his life' - indeed he did.

He's an ok defender on average forwards. He can't kick. He's not smart.

But somehow, he extricated every single bit of talent from his frame tonight.

What stood out for me was the effort he exerted. He actually tried harder and his will power enabled his very ordinary talent to achieve something worthwhile.

Well done Blakey. Once in a lifetime. Just keep bleeding for the cause and you'll have the doubters - like me - starting to jump into your corner.

BigMart · Post: # 605520Post **BigMart** » Sat 19 Jul 2008 11:43pm

Farting at thunder..

Zippy · Post: # 605527Post **Zippy** » Sat 19 Jul 2008 11:46pm

I loved him first!! I loved him first!!

bigcarl · Post: # 605530Post **bigcarl** » Sat 19 Jul 2008 11:48pm

we seem to go up a notch when he rucks. in fact he has rucked for us in a lot of winning teams. almost gives you another midfielder. very. very underrated player.

ark · Post: # 605592Post **ark** » Sun 20 Jul 2008 12:15am

Obviously made an impression tonight

Animal Enclosure · Sun 20 Jul 2008 12:16am

evertonfc wrote:Started awfully, came back and played - as MMM called it 'the bloody game of his life' - indeed he did.

He's an ok defender on average forwards. He can't kick. He's not smart.

He's actually a very smart footballer that isn't blessed with great hand & foot skills. You watch how well he runs into space now & provides an option. He's just not the same footballer of 2004-2006.

He changed the game tonight, simple as that IMO.

Stillwaiting · Sun 20 Jul 2008 12:16am

Blake`s presence seems to lift the whole team, he works so hard, and teamates respond to him
With King in the side Blake becomes a very versatile player and as we saw tomight very damaging

Dan Warna · Post: # 605602Post **Dan Warna** » Sun 20 Jul 2008 12:17am

novelty putting him in the ruck

True Blue Sainter · Sun 20 Jul 2008 12:20am

The value of placing Blake in the ruck is his ability to create a second effort at ground level from the stoppages, and also, perhaps more significantly, his ability to run the opposition ruckman ragged with his aerobic capacity. His third quarter was the best quarter I have ever seen him play. I have been a doubter in the past, but I think his decision-making is improving with every game and his ability to hurt the opposition with his disposal is also. His three goals were absolutely priceless. He, along with Roo and Dal, were hugely instrumental in our run-on in the third.

Well done Blakey, continue the good work!

Otiman · Post: # 605643Post **Otiman** » Sun 20 Jul 2008 12:23am

The Hawks were roving King's hitouts very effectively, putting Blake in there allowed us to put more pressure on their ball carriers and force turnovers.

Brilliant coaching move. Amazing individual effort.

When I saw King coming from the field, I turned and said "Well, I reckon Hawks are going to kick the next 3 goals". Lo and behold, in comes Blake and changes the landscape of the game.

midas_touch · Sun 20 Jul 2008 12:26am

f****** brilliant game by Blakey, especially in that unbelievable third term. He gets the absolute most out of his ability, and his effort is 100%, 100% of the time. Just about an automatic selection week in, week out.

battye · Post: # 605978Post **battye** » Sun 20 Jul 2008 4:10am

bigcarl wrote:we seem to go up a notch when he rucks. in fact he has rucked for us in a lot of winning teams. almost gives you another midfielder. very. very underrated player.

Indeed. He's not the worst ruckman going around... but gee, he's just the most versatile player you'll find. Give him a job, and he'll do it.

jonesy · Post: # 605981Post **jonesy** » Sun 20 Jul 2008 4:47am

3 goals in 8 minutes...orchastrated me punching the floor at Kitty's.... Blake the genius.....we're back...you f$ckn beauty!!!

GRAMophone · Post: # 605988Post **GRAMophone** » Sun 20 Jul 2008 6:12am

Best on ground votes on 774.

The Saintsational Man · Sun 20 Jul 2008 8:18am

Players with heart always seem to pay off.

I like many have questioned Blakes spot in the side, but when i think about it i'd rather him, than alot of blokes in our team cause he gives his heart and soul to the Saints.

Tonight was an awesome payoff for him and it shows what dedication and hardwork can do.

Great Game Blakey.

BAM! (shhhh) · Sun 20 Jul 2008 1:11pm

Interesting what he gives in the ruck. Great move to throw him in there after identifying the 1st half issues.

King: Tapped well, but opposition could rove him, and King added little to nothing at ground level.

Kosi: roves well... but wasn't competitive in the hitouts and so was simply left as another chaser as Hawthorn won clearances.

Blake: Able to effect hitouts and then chase them himself. 11 contested possessions! What an effort.

It won't work every week, but not only are our ruck stocks deep for the first time I can remember, but we've got flexibility in our approach.

wallbanger · Post: # 606149Post **wallbanger** » Sun 20 Jul 2008 2:00pm

None have been a bigger critic of Blake than me over the past few seasons, but man, was i forced to eat my words last night! The best game he has played for the club IMO - better than when he beat the big mountain from Freo a few seasons back.

Was a stellar effort from a guy who's courage and effort can never be questioned - it has always been his decision making a poor skills that have frustrated me in the past, but last night those were his strengths, along with his ability to gut run. Great game - credit where it is due, he really helped swing the game our way and I honestly hope that sort of game from him continues as he could be a great asset in the ruck with his mobility.

Never thought I'd say this...well done Blake!

By the way (and off the topic)...we talk about superstars a bit too much in the modern game, but Nick Riewoldt is a genuine one. Absolute legend and a pleausre to watch.

iwantmeseats · Sun 20 Jul 2008 2:05pm

I havent been his greatest fan. Admired his athletic ability, but his skills..

But well done !!!!! Fantastic all round game. Hopefully is a big charge to his confidence.

Ralphy · Post: # 606155Post **Ralphy** » Sun 20 Jul 2008 2:06pm

Go blakey

Well done.!!!
always had faith in you.

stinger · Post: # 606186Post **stinger** » Sun 20 Jul 2008 2:43pm

evertonfc wrote:
He's an ok defender on average forwards. He can't kick. He's not smart.

But somehow, he extricated every single bit of talent from his frame tonight.

f*** me.....

sunsaint · Post: # 606598Post **sunsaint** » Sun 20 Jul 2008 9:18pm

stinger wrote:
evertonfc wrote:
He's an ok defender on average forwards. He can't kick. He's not smart.

But somehow, he extricated every single bit of talent from his frame tonight.

f*** me.....

yeah agreed stinger, false praise wrapped in a backhander is no praise at all