Delisted Fremantle midfielder Connor Blakely says he has made contact with new St Kilda coach Ross Lyon.
The 26-year-old played under Lyon for the first five years of his AFL career and enjoyed some very solid form in that time, particularly in 2017 and 2018 when he averaged over 23 disposals.
He then fell out of favour after Justin Longmuir replaced Lyon prior to the 2020 season and was eventually moved on in September once his contract had expired.
Blakely has revealed that he has been in contact with Lyon on multiple occasions this year, making sure to let his former mentor know that he is still determined to make it at AFL level.
“I sent Ross a message throughout the year just to have a chat with him on the phone about what I can do to try and force my way back in,” Blakely said on SEN WA’s The Run Home.
“Also, on the other end of things, what I can do to help my chances with finding a club at the end of the year because I knew at that point it was pretty clear that I wasn’t going to be offered another contract.
“I actually did send him a message when he got the gig at the Saints. When we did have that chat during the year I outlined that I still have a desire to play at the highest level.
“So I sent him the message that said, ‘Good luck back in the hot seat again where you belong’, and said that my desire to play at the top level is still there.
“He sent a nice message back saying, ‘Thanks mate, next time I talk to list management I’ll mention your name but I can assure you there’s no guarantees’.”
Throwing that out into the universe has worked to a degree with Blakely attracting interest from the Gold Coast Suns.
He says the move is likely to happen but insists he won’t be getting carried away until he has signed on the dotted line.
“Hopefully something comes of it. My managers (Paul Connors and Robbie D’Orazio) have been working pretty hard and the Gold Coast is looking pretty likely at this stage, so fingers crossed for that come National and Rookie Drafts,” he added.
“It’s looking pretty good at the moment but nothing is guaranteed until your name is read out or you sign the contract.
“There’s been a lot of stories of guys who have been told one thing and another thing happens, so I’m certainly not sitting here saying that it’s definitely done.”
A strong WAFL season with Peel Thunder put Blakely firmly in the sights of the Suns and he could wind up there through either the National Draft or the Rookie Draft later this month.
Blakely played 78 games for Freo but was not sighted at senior level in 2022. He played his last game for the club in Round 22, 2021.