Jacob Blight proud of maiden State guernsey as he prepares for potential AFL mid-season draft call-up

Rising Albany-raised footballer and AFL mid-season draft hopeful Jacob Blight relished the opportunity to play his first State match for WA, producing a sturdy performance against a polished SANFL outfit on Sunday. Touted as one of the top prospects to have his name read out at the 2024 mid-season draft next week, the 196cm defender was a rare shining light for WA, standing tall in the backline as the WAFL were comprehensively beaten by the Croweaters at Optus Stadium. After making his State debut, Blight admitted he was caught off-guard by the step up from the domestic league, but felt he lived up to the hype. “I was honoured to be out there and compete but at the same time, it definitely caught me by surprise, the step up it actually was,” he said. “I was quite oblivious going in, not knowing what the level would be. But being out there it was for sure a step up from WAFL footy. “From my point of view, it was probably one of my better games for the year, to be honest, and I worked very hard and a lot went into that day and trying to perform. “Not to mention a lot of the pressure from the media and from everyone to perform and impress recruiters. “I’m very proud of myself for the way I handled it, but also the performance I was able to put up on a pretty tough day and I feel like I can walk away with my head held high.” The 22-year-old gathered 17 disposals (13 kicks and four handballs) and clunked a game-high 13 marks in his side’s 16.13 (109) to 5.16 (46) defeat, serving as a pillar in their defensive 50 and reliably generating a lot of their offensive rebounds. Blight was tasked with constant defensive duties as the interstate travellers dominated the inside-50 count 60-46, relentlessly applying pressure on the Black Swans’ back six. The mid-season draft will be held on Wednesday May 29, with the Railways junior hoping to find an AFL home. “I had five interviews so far and hoping to maybe have a couple more this week,” he said. “In terms of what the media has reported, I have not spoken to North Melbourne. “I think the fact I’ve been talked about as a close to No.1 pick is a good sign and I think, especially after the weekend, I have showcased what I can do at the level above. “I’ve presented what I can do now and I don’t think there are too many questions that need to be answered.”