Today, we are joined by Collingwood star Dale Thomas, Jason Blake of St Kilda, and young-gun James Frawley from the Demons.
Dale Thomas (Collingwood)
1. Which junior club did you play at?
I played for Hallora and Drouin.
2. What is your first memory of junior footy?
Cold mornings and wet feet.
3. What is your favourite memory of junior footy?
Being able to have a pie and a can of soft drink after the game.
4. Who did you barrack for in the AFL as a kid?
Geelong.
5. Who was your hero/favourite player?
Gary Ablett snr.
6. What can you recall of the AFL first game you went to?
It was at Waverley Park and it was freezing cold. Geelong was playing someone, and Gary Ablett just came back from either injury or suspension. Actually, he might have played in the twos. But I remember it was freezing.
James Frawley (Melbourne)
1. Which junior club did you play at?
East Ballarat. I started playing when I was 10 years old.
2. What is your first memory of junior footy?
Playing in a premiership for the East Ballarat under-12s. The team we played was undefeated and we came back in the Grand Final and beat them.
3. What is your favourite memory of junior footy?
The under-16s Grand Final was pretty special.
4. Who did you barrack for in the AFL as a kid?
St Kilda
5. Who was your hero/favourite player?
Robert Harvey. He was probably my favourite player and I idolised him as a young kid.
6. What can you recall of the AFL first game you went to?
I think it was at Waverley Park and I was pretty young, but I can't remember much else from it.
Jason Blake (St Kilda)
1. Which junior club did you play at?
Beaumaris. We also had David Spriggs and Cameron Bruce. Mark Ainley and Murray Pitts were also from Beaumaris and were drafted the same year as me so it was a pretty strong team.
2. What is your first memory of junior footy?
Going out there and having fun with my mates. The mateship is the best thing about footy.
3. What is your favourite memory of junior footy?
Also making friends and being part of something that could be quite special.
4. Who did you barrack for in the AFL as a kid?
Essendon. But my old man was a Saints fan.
5. Who was your hero/favourite player?
I had Timmy Watson’s number on my back. Tim ended up being my first AFL coach which was quite a thrill.
6. What can you recall of the first AFL game you went to?
I was mesmerised by the atmosphere and electricity of the place as well as the passion of all the supporters.
