Peel Thunder defender Jacob Blight is now a Richmond Tiger after being picked up in this week's AFL mid-season rookie draft.
The 22-year-old from Albany originally played for Claremont in the WAFL but made a move to Peel ahead of the 2023 season.
“Trying to make the AFL has always been a life-long dream, ever since I was probably five years old . . . Once you turn 18, that’s when you’re in the pool and eligible to be picked up . . . I definitely had to earn my way and prove what I can do,” Blight said on SEN WA.
“I don’t think people realise the years of hard work and the setbacks and everything that goes into that sort of thing . . . the battles that you have to overcome."
Blight said the move from Claremont to Peel was just what he needed.
“I guess when I was at Claremont my career wasn’t progressing the right way, and a change of environment was something I wanted, but also it was pretty much needed as well,” Blight said.
“I was actually looking to go to the VFL and look for a club over there (in Victoria). Long story short, I got in contact with Matt Rosa, who was the GM of Football for Peel at the time and before I knew it, I was signed on with Peel.
“And I trained with Freo over the summer, and that’s what I was looking for – an affiliated team, to train and play alongside AFL-listed players . . ."
Blight averaged 18.4 disposals, 8.7 marks, 3.3 intercept marks, and 4.6 spoils per game for the Thunder this season.
Richmond National Recruiting Manager Chris Toce said the 196cm defender has been on their radar for many years.
“Jacob has progressed and improved a lot, especially over the last two years- which is a credit to him," Toce said.
“He presents like a pro, is a big strong lad, has terrific endurance and strength and physically could play AFL pretty soon… (but) there is no pressure on him do that.
“We just want him to come in and play some good VFL football, to begin with, and if his form dictates that he could progress to AFL level, that would be fantastic.”