Footy officially winds up in September, but it’s not until October when retirement really kicks in for those leaving the game. It’s a process St Kilda defender Jason Blake is working through at the moment.

Having played at the Saints for 14 seasons,where he built a reputation as one of the club’s best trainers, the first thing on Blake’s to-do list has been putting his feet up.

“It’s been good. I’ve been trying to do as little as possible and just enjoy the finals period,” he told aflplayers.com.au at the Madden Medal last Friday.

“We had the motorcade [during Grand Final week] and got to spend some time with the guys who’ve retired from other clubs, so that was quite special.”

Friday’s function gave Blake another chance to catch up with some of the 2013 retirees, including Madden Medal winner Jude Bolton.

“It was great to see Jude take out the Madden Medal. He’s certainly a worthy, deserved player and person who’s contributed not only to the game, but to the community as well.”

“I think it’s one of the final functions of the season, so it’s a nice way to wrap things up.”

It was also a fitting way to wrap up Blake’s involvement with the Players’ Association.

“I’m actually really going to miss that time [with the PA].”

“I’ve had a great experience and learnt so much from the guys. It’s a terrific organisation and it’s so important to the players. I’d certainly encourage young guys to get involved.”

“I’ve had a great experience and learnt so much from the guys. It’s a terrific organisation and it’s so important to the players. I’d certainly encourage young guys to get involved” – Blake on the AFLPA.

Blake was a Players’ Association delegate from 2008 to 2009 and a board member from 2010 onwards. It was one of Blake’s many extra-curricular pursuits outside football.

As ABC Broadcaster Ian Cover noted, it was only Blake’s final game of AFL that ensured he finished his career with more Brownlow votes than Undergraduate Degrees – and “only just.”

He completed Bachelors of Business and (Civil) Engineering, and will put his Master of Business (Property) to good use in his post-AFL career.

“I do a bit of work in the property industry, heading up Coles Property and will be looking to try to inflict a bit of change there.”

He’s looking forward to “enjoying the game from a different perspective,” but hopes to stay involved in footy in some capacity.

“Obviously I love the game and it’s a big part of who I am and who I’ve become. I’ll try to give back as much as possible.”

Though he won’t be working with the Saints in any official capacity, he’d be more than happy to maintain an involvement with the club.

“We’re a young, developing group so if I can contribute in any way, I will.”

He’s also considering staying involved in footy “at a school level,” adding “we’ll wait and see how it all goes.”

It will take time for Blake to settle into the next phase of his life, but he clearly has his priorities in order.

“I’m just winding down and heading overseas next week with the family – to Bali. It’ll be good to catch up there.”