Tigers or bust for Blake
The Mercury
October 07, 2007 12:00am
IT looks like Richmond or bust for Geelong hard-luck story Mark Blake, with the club having told the 22-year-old ruckman that he won't be traded this week.
Blake was shattered to be left out of the Cats premiership side after playing 22 games in 2007, including both the qualifying and preliminary finals. He was replaced by former skipper Steven King in the side which thumped Port Adelaide by 119 points on grand final day at the MCG.
It is understood Blake's initial thought was to walk out on the club which recruited him as a father-son selection in 2003.
But the Cats hope his attitude has softened as they regard him as a key part of the club's push into the future.
If the Cats stick to their guns, Blake's only option will be to nominate for the pre-season draft where 16th placed Richmond have the No. 1 pick.
With the dearth of quality ruckman in the AFL, Blake's selection by the Tigers would appear a formality.
Blake, the son of former Cats fairest and best and Victorian representative Rod, was recruited from the Geelong Falcons and developed a cult following among the fans because of his awkward kicking style and family links to the club.
A high point in his season came in round 18 when he kicked two goals, won 24 hitouts and gathered 15 possessions against Richmond. But he was rested from both AFL and VFL teams for the next two matches before coming back into the side for the round 21 clash against Port Adelaide.
Blake is due to head overseas for an end-of-season trip with teammates on Tuesday while the club decides who will be cut from their deep list.
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,22541998-13222,00.html
