Geelong’s 2009 Premiership Player Mark Blake

Can the Geelong Cats make it three premierships and a near miss in four years? That’s the question on most footy enthusiasts’ lips. There is no denying the Geelong Cats are on their game and look set for yet another incredible year. As season 2010 begins 3008 spoke to premiership player and Geelong Ruckman, Mark Blake about Geelong’s 2009 Premiership win and the plan for 2010.

How does it feel to be a premiership player, especially as you almost missed playing in the 2009 Grand Final?

Great, this is what every footballer dreams of, and that dream came true for me. It was disappointing late in the season last year, but I wasn’t doing what the Club required of me so I had to work as hard as I could to improve those areas and regain my place in the side.

What was Coach Mark Thompson saying to the team at three quarter time in
the 2009 Grand Final, when St Kilda was ahead by 7 points in a very tight game?

Basically that the game could go either way and for each of us to make sure regardless of whatever happened that we come off the ground knowing we
gave 100%.

Mark (Bomber) Thompson said the Cat’s were “lucky to win” Was that the sentiment of the team after the game?

It was a really close game- it was anyone’s, the greatest margin in the match was twelve points so it was tight the whole way through. The Saints missed a few chances, and we gave away some silly free kicks, so I think we came out even, but we made the most of the opportunities that came our way and earned our win.

What is the atmosphere like around the Club, how do you mentally prepare to start a new season off the back of a Premiership win?

The older guys are helping the team a lot and we are training really hard. The culture at the club is one that wants to win - that loves to win, we are passionate and we want to keep on improving, let’s hope we get another crack at the Premiership again in 2010.

Do you feel more responsibility is focussed on you to step up as the
leading Ruckman for the Cats?

I am looking forward to the challenge, Otto (Brad Ottens) has missed a few games due to an injury and I have to step up and play consistently this season.

It’s my responsibility to the Club.

Your father ( Rod Blake) played for Geelong , but never got to play in a Premiership, how does that go down on the homefront?

We don’t really talk about it; Dad congratulated me and he was stoked for me. Dad played during the 1970’s & 80’s, he played in a preliminary final but he never got the chance to play in a Premiership. Who would you tip as the dark horse for season 2010?

It will be a cracker of a year, a very competitive one. I think one of five teams will make it in September and I think it’s pretty obvious who those teams
are already.