….The Footy’s Back

The 2009 AFL Premiership season begins this March after a long and anxious wait for footy fans. The first match played at the newly named Etihad Stadium will be between St Kilda and Sydney so 3008 spoke to St Kilda stalwart Jason Blake about the season ahead.

St Kilda and Sydney ended the 2008 season fourth and sixth respectively, what do you anticipate in this first game of the season?
I think it will definitely be a closely fought game. As you said, we finished in similar positions last year and our Round 1 game in 2008 was decided by just two points, so we expect it will be a tight battle. Hopefully our home support can help us get over the line though. Our fans haven’t had a St Kilda footy fix since mid-September so we hope they come out in force on March 28.

Before 1964 the Saints theme song was “I do like to be beside the seaside” if you relocate to Seaford in 2010, will that song make a resurgence?
That’s a bit before my time! A number of our supporters might remember it, but I think most of us are more accustomed to the current version. We’re really looking forward to moving in to our brand new elite training facility at Seaford next year, but I’m not so sure the song will change.

What is the team philosophy or mantra for the upcoming 2009 season?
The main thing that Ross and the other coaches want to see from us is strong, consistent effort. If we can do this, we walk off the field each week without any questions or lingering doubts in our minds.

Robert Harvey was part of the St Kilda Team for 20 years, how much of an impact did he have on fellow players and how do you fill the void from his retirement?
Robert had a huge impact on the Saints over a span of three decades. Not only was he an elite footballer, he was also one of the best motivators and inspirational figures in sport. He knew how to get the best out of his team mates and has left a legacy on the Club that will last long into the future. I don’t think it’s necessarily about filling a void – it’s about using the time we had with him to make us better players.

The St Kilda Family Day is on March 15th, where is it and what’s it all about?
The Family Day is a chance for us to meet and interact with our loyal supporters. It’s a highlight each year, not just for the fans but for the coaches and playing group as well. We know our members are the life blood of the Club so it’s great to get amongst them, sign some autographs and meet the people that come to support us week in, week out. There will be a jumper presentation, food and drinks, activities and a historical display of memorabilia so we hope as many people can make it down to Frankston Oval on the 15th.

In your personal opinion, who is the standout footballer of the AFL today?
Tough question! Maybe I’m a bit biased, but I think Nick Riewoldt is one of the competition’s elite players. He’s a great leader and is one of the few players with that ability to turn a game in the blink of an eye. Outside the Saints, names like Gary Ablett, Lance Franklin and Matthew Pavlich also come to mind, but I think ‘Rooey’ is right up there as a standout in the AFL.

St Kilda v Sydney – March 28 Etihad Stadium, Docklands

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St Kilda Family Day – 15 March at Frankston Oval