Connor Blakely’s made no secret of his ambitions to become an elite midfielder at AFL level, and knows he’s in the right place to learn.
At training, Blakely has been looking up to the likes of 2015 Brownlow Medallist Nat Fyfe and 2016 Doig Medallist Lachie Neale.
Inspired by his teammates, Blakely spoke of the need to build a “good tank” to succeed at AFL level at a press conference late last year.
Returning after the Christmas break, the 20-year-old elaborated on how these goals are shaping his pre-season.
“What I want to do is to keep working on my fitness,” Blakely said.
“It’s great coming up against guys like Nathan Fyfe, and when Lachie Neale comes back to full training I can go up against him too.
“It just enables me to keep improving my game and my skill-set.
“Each year your expectations go up and you just need to keep improving, so playing against those guys can develop you pretty quickly.”
Connor Blakely and Nat Fyfe talk during a huddle at pre-season training on Thursday
Blakely played a total of 24 games in a busy 2016, featuring in 15 games at AFL level and another nine in a premiership season for Peel.
His season was highlighted with a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in round 11 against Essendon, but he also shone in the WAFL Grand Final. A 38-disposal effort with five marks and three tackles saw Blakely earn the Simpson Medal for best on ground against Subiaco.
While every game is a learning experience, Blakely said he can learn just as much going up against someone of Fyfe’s calibre at training.
“Obviously he’s a Brownlow medallist and a well rounded player,” Blakely said.
“He’s so strong. Being at a stoppage with that type of player to push you off, it really prepares you for games going against other players.”
