Star Subiaco recruit Jacob Blight is convinced he has the attributes to return to the AFL and resume a career at the top level.
After being picked up in the 2024 AFL Mid-Season Draft by Richmond, the key defender played 10 games with the Tigers but fell one match short of triggering a contract extension at Punt Road and was de-listed last year in a cruel twist of fate.
“I was grateful for the opportunity and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being a full-time footballer,” Blight said.
“I showed glimpses of my potential, but unfortunately never got to fulfil that and it felt like my time was over before it really ever got started.
“I believe some more continuity and opportunity in my position would have gone a long way, but it unfortunately didn’t work out in my favour.
“By no means am I a complete player and I certainly have much to work on, but I do believe I have several attributes that will hold up at the level.
“We all have things to work on as players, I’ve made required adjustments and have been extremely dedicated and dialled in the last six months to get back, so it’s still priority number one for me.
“Post delisting I’ve certainly had my dark days with how it all played out for me, but I’ve transferred all my energy into being a better all-around footballer, along with my off-field pursuits, so I’m excited with that.”
Since leaving the Tigers, Blight has launched BLYT Development, which focuses on developing physical and mental wellbeing through personalised training, an initiative also designed to assist fellow athletes.
Blight’s on-field focus has turned to success with Subiaco, joining former Eagles Assistant and three-time Lions premiership coach Jarrad Schofield.
“Jarrad has been fantastic, one of the best I’ve seen in how seriously he takes the role, along with his knowledge, communication and presence around the group,” he said.
“He challenges every player to be the best they can be and builds a good relationship with everyone too.
“He’s well and truly an AFL standard coach.”
Subiaco is coming off a four-win season in 2025 but has been active over summer on the recruiting front, sparking optimism at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.
Blight opted to join the Lions instead of his former WAFL club Peel Thunder, where he was drafted from a couple of years back.
“It feels like the club has really rejuvenated this off-season and there is a real positive vibe, linked with real professionalism,” he said.
“The boys have bought in all pre-season and have been really committed.
“There’s a great culture and level of care between the boys as well.
“We’re very optimistic on what we can achieve this season.”
That includes playing finals as the Lions re-load with a mix of youth and experience.
“It’s certainly an expectation amongst the group and for sure the recruiting helps, but the commitment from all players has been very impressive,” Blight declared.
“With comparison to my time at Richmond, this off-season was done at AFL standard, if not even harder.
“So everyone’s development has been fast tracked.
“We have our internal expectations, but it’s now time to put all that effort into performing on game day, that’s what matters most.”
WAFL
