Versatile midfielder Blake Acres showed more signs in 2017 that he is going to play a key role in St Kilda’s evolving engine room in years to come.
The 21-year-old, who the Saints chose at the end of the first round in the 2013 National Draft, played 18 games in his fourth season at Linen House Centre and averaged just over 20 disposals per outing.
But while the West Australian did demonstrate how valuable he can be with his size and athleticism, Acres had to work his back from two spells in the VFL across the season.
After a three-week stint at Sandringham midway through the year, Acres returned against Sydney in Round 18 and made an instant statement at the SCG.
From there, the big-bodied midfielder impressed against Port Adelaide a week later, before amassing a career-high 30 disposals against West Coast the following week.
With 44 games of experience now under his belt, Acres has laid the foundations to launch into the pre-season and into 2018, with the coach indicating he has the tools to be one of the most improved midfielders in the competition next season.
Performance of the year:
Round 20 v West Coast at Etihad Stadium: 30 disposals, 411 metres gained, 22 uncontested possessions, nine score involvements, six tackles, six inside
Alan Richardson's views:
“Blake finished the year having taken some positive steps forward and should be aiming to be one of the more improved midfielders in the game next year, not just for our footy club, but across the competition,” Richardson said.
“As we showed more trust and faith in Blake, he started to develop a bit more belief in himself which is often the way with young players.
“Blake’s ability to play multiple roles is a real strength because of his shape and size, and his athleticism.
“However, he probably performed better when settled as a midfielder so that will be a balancing act going forward.”
The numbers:
18 games
20.3 disposals
14.8 uncontested possessions
3.4 inside
2.8 tackles
