Playing in a high-pressure AFL environment, Connor Blakely understands the need to keep in touch with the important things in life.
Which is why he and teammate Cam Sutcliffe made the most of Wednesday’s day off to put on a coaching session for the kids from Ronald McDonald House Perth.
RMH helps families of seriously ill children, keeping families together and close to their child while undergoing treatment.
“Cam and I were involved with the Ronald McDonald House about two years ago, we did a bit of cooking there and a bit of work with the learning centre," Blakely said.
“I found that I got a lot out of it, it gives you a bit of perspective and you get to know the families and the kids.
“The tough times they go through, it’s pretty sad but it’s also something that I really enjoy.”
The 22-year-old said that during these visits, he finds himself getting as much out of it as the kids.
“You can definitely get caught up in the footy world and just worry about your own issues and form,” Blakely said.
“When you step out of the bubble for a while and do things like this, it gives so much perspective, so when you go back to training, you’re appreciative that you have two arms and legs and you can go out and play footy as your job.
“You become a lot more appreciative of what you do.”
Growing up in Bunbury, Blakely said he can relate to the problems faced by families living outside of the metropolitan area, especially for those from the remote areas of the State.
“Obviously with the treatments happening in Perth, some kids are travelling from Karratha and Broome and places like that,” Blakely said.
“RMH gives them somewhere they can stay and have their base and family here supporting them – it’s definitely something that’s very beneficial and it’s a great initiative.”
Blakely will return for trianing on Thursday where final preparations will begin for Saturday’s Len Hall Tribute Game against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium.
The Bulldogs head into the game with one win from the opening four rounds, however, Blakely expects a tougher challenge than what is suggested by the Dogs’ win-loss record.
“I think it was pretty well documented that they didn’t start the year very well but we all knew that they’re a quality outfit,” Blakely said.
“The way they’ve played the past two weeks is very accurate of what they can produce.
“We played really good footy and against GWS (in round four), they’re a really good outfit so that was always going to be a tough game.
“There were a few things that we could have done better so we’re looking forward to coming out against the Bulldogs and giving a really good effort against them.”
