The West Australian native had an injury-interrupted season, but still managed to show glimpses of talent at both VFL and AFL level.
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While the 18-year-old admitted that being away from friends and family was initially difficult, he maintained that there was nowwhere else he would rather be than Linen House Centre.“Having moved away from all my mates and family in Western Australia, this is a big commitment, but the club has been great,” a delighted Acres told SAINTS.com.au.
“I love it, it’s been great and I’ve always got something to do. As I said before, it’s just like home.”
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Two players who helped him transition when he arrived via pick 19 in the 2013 National Draft were fellow Sandgropers Tom Lee and Farren Ray, and Acres made a point of thanking them for their help as he settled in to a new city and new footballing environment.“Having a lot of youngsters at the club made it easier at first,” he said.
"Tom and Farren, who are both from WA, have both been great to me… I get along with them really well and they’ve both been a great help to me.”
After missing a large chunk of the 2013 season due to a persistent shoulder complaint, the West Perth product acknowledged that injuries have again played their part this year. But now that it is all behind him, he’s ready to make an assault on the 2015 season.
“It was definitely frustrating with all the injuries I had, but I still took out all the positives,” he said.
“I feel like I’m a better person and a better player now and my body feels really good. I’m looking to have a big year next year.”
For now Acres is relishing being a part of an up-and-coming group of ambitious footballers, eager to make a name for themselves and propel St Kilda back up the ladder.
To this end, he is confident success isn’t too far away.
“We’ve signed up a lot of the young guys recently, so they are showing they’re committed to us and we need to show we’re committed to them.
“We are all really young. Everyone can see that a few years down the track, we are going to be a really competitive side.”
Standing at 190cm and weighing 90kgs, Acres’ greatest attribute is undoubtedly his athleticism. On draft night last year, St Kilda List Manager Ameet Bains noted that while Jack Billings was a goal-kicking midfielder, and Luke Dunstan was a traditional on-baller, it was Acres’ ability to play a number of roles that made him such an attractive prospect.
Alan Richardson spoke to SAINTS.com.au recently and shared Bains’ sentiment.
“Blake is a terrific athlete and a great reader of the play,” Richardson said.
“We think he has the potential to provide us with versatility either in the midfield or across half-back.”
Head of Football Chris Pelchen described Acres as a "genuine talent" who will develop into a valuable asset for St Kilda over the coming seasons.
"While Blake's debut season was interrupted by injury, his strong performances for both St Kilda and Sandringham provided an illustration of the genuine talent we anticipate will make him a quality player at the Saints for years to come," Pelchen said.
Acres' re-signing follows Luke Dunstan, Josh Saunders, Jack Newnes, Lewis Pierce and Nathan Wright last week, in addition to Jimmy Webster on Monday.
