Albany’s Jacob Blight’s WAFL Team of the Year selection comes from an intense dedication to football

Emerging key defender Jacob Blight believes a razor sharp focus and dedication to his football craft has been a major catalyst for his brilliant individual season at Peel Thunder in the WAFL competition. Hailing from Railways in the Great Southern, Blight earned a maiden selection in the WAFL Team of the Year at centre half-back, the only Thunder player named in the 25-man squad. “It’s something I’m extremely proud of, it’s a great reward for hard work and it’s nice to receive that recognition from the WAFL,” he said “I put it down to a combination of things, it is definitely coming off the back of a big preseason and a lot of hard work. “I never went on holiday, I didn’t do anything apart from train and commit myself to the cause. “Being surrounded by players with a wealth of experience like Joel Hamling, Nathan Wilson, Travis Colyer and obviously the coaches Jeff Valentine and Tendai Mzungu. “I’ve been very fortunate to have the help and support from family, friends and support staff, hopefully I can continue to repay the favour.” The big-bodied defender made the move from Claremont to the Thunder during the 2023 off-season, searching for a fresh start in his football career. “The move was a big challenge in itself going to a new club, it’s something I’m very proud of though,” he said. The Thunder were defeated by East Fremantle in their WAFL semifinal on Saturday, the Sharks claiming a 9.6 (60) to 7.13 (55) win to advance to the grand final Blight’s Thunder side will have a chance to right those wrongs in their preliminary final clash against Subiaco on Sunday. “It would mean a lot to win a flag, being in a premiership is a lot bigger and more important than individual accolades, there is a lot of work to be done between now and then,” he said. Blight came through the Great Southern Football League ranks with Railways before playing colts, reserves and league for Claremont between 2019-2022. He said playing in the AFL is a dream while in the WAFL system. “It’s really on the forefront of my mind and it’s something I’ve been dreaming of since I started playing football,” Blight said. “I need to just keep turning up, plodding along and doing all the right things, all I can do is control the things I can control. “We can only hope and pray that someone calls my name out at that time of the year. “ Blight heaped praise on his junior club and said he still keeps a watchful eye on the GSFL from afar. “I have to express my gratitude to people that have helped me, Railways is a place that I spent a lot of my high school years playing football,” he said. “I met a lot of great friends and mentors, I appreciate everyone’s support and recognition over the years and I hope it leads to bigger and better things. “It’s awesome the Sharks won their first flag, unfortunately Railways couldn’t complete the three-peat but it’s a great thing for the competition that a team can make it from the bottom and win a grand final.”