Though Jason Blake mightn’t be the most physically gifted player retiring this season, it’s hard to nominate a more-loved clubman.

Throughout 219 games at St Kilda, Jason Blake was the ultimate team-man. Much loved by his teammates for his competitive nature, Blake was the Saints’ Mr fix-it on the field.

While he was at his best defending opposition teams’ medium-sized forwards, he was often forced to play above his height and out of his weight division. Standing at just 189cm, Blake often found himself playing on the opposition’s best key forward. He played a pivotal role in St Kilda’s backline during the Saints’ three Grand Finals in 2009 and 2010.

Remarkably, Blake was also asked to compete in the ruck – not just once, but on many occasions.

“He shouldn’t be able to do it. It’s his heart that gets him across the line,” coach Scott Watters said last year, while Blake was carrying the mantle in the absence of the Saints’ injured ruckmen.

Those who played alongside him were inspired by his attitude; no task seemed too difficult to take on. Unsurprisingly, Blake was a part of St Kilda’s leadership group from 2007 to 2011. He set a great example for teammates, both on and off the field.

Immaculate preparer. Elite aerobic. Never beaten. Versatile. Committed. Team first philosophy.

He worked closely with the AFL Players’ Association for six years – as a delegate in 2008 and 2009, and as a board member between 2010 and 2013. Blake also achieved academic success away from the football field and is a facilitator of the Mentor and Leadership Program at Cheltenham High School.

Having completed Bachelors of (Civil) Engineering and Business, Blake is now currently studying a Masters of Business (Property). He has also worked as a consultant for Thinc Projects since 2007.

It’s a sizable list of achievements – considering Blake has had to juggle a full-time AFL career since being drafted in 1999 – that shows Blake was as versatile off the field as he was on it.

If there’s a quiz question by which Blake is to be remembered, it’s likely to be something like this:

Which AFL player holds the record for the most games played without receiving a Brownlow vote?

The answer, of course, is Blake. While this quirky footy fact highlights how underrated he was, die-hard supporters will recall a different slant on the story.

When Blake finally received a Brownlow vote – two votes, in fact at the 2012 count – there was adulation from the teammates on his table, and applause from guests around the room.

It seemed somewhat fitting that Andrew Demetriou – who was reading out the votes – got his name wrong, instead congratulating “James Blake”, the name of an American tennis player.

While casual footy-watchers mightn’t notice Blake’s absence in season 2014, he will be sorely missed by the Saints.

Blake is one of eight nominees in line for this year’s AFL Players’ Madden Medal. The award is given to a retiring great each season, recognising the player’s contributions to the game both on and off the field. The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Sofitel on Friday 4^th October .