Name: Adrian Blake
Carlton member years: 1
Favourite player: Wayne ‘The Dominator’ Johnston
Adrian Blake has been a Carlton supporter for “as long as he can remember”, but 2016 marks the first year he has been a member – and it’s thanks to his young family.
“My children bought me a membership for my birthday,” Adrian said.
“The Carlton Football Club has been amazing for my son who’s currently in hospital, and I think that led my wife and my kids signing me up for my birthday.”
Adrian’s eldest son, six-year-old James, is a fanatical Blues supporter who was sadly diagnosed with luekaemia in September last year, one week before the AFL grand final.
During pre-season the family was invited to a training session at Ikon Park, with James getting up close to his Carlton heroes – lifting his spirits.
“At the training session the players gathered around him and he kicked some goals,” Adrian said.
James Blake with Patrick Cripps. (Photo: Supplied)
“He was really down prior to this, but he went from being a shy little boy, to being almost back to himself in one two-hour session at the footy club."
Adrian says James watches every game on TV, and was able to attend many matches last season before his diagnosis.
“He’ll be able to go to games in the next couple of weeks,” he said.
“He’s already counting down and planning on being at the Carlton v Brisbane game with his brother Harry,” he exclaimed.
While Adrian’s always loved ‘The Dominator’, his son’s favourite player was Chris Judd, but since ‘Juddy’s’ retirement he has now turned his attention to another midfielder, reigning John Nicholls Medallist, Patrick Cripps.
The family is hopeful James will be discharged from The Royal Children’s Hospital this week, returning to the comfort of his own room and bed.
“The intensive part of his treatment should finish in the coming weeks and James is very much looking forward to going to his first game of the year,” Adrian said.
Hopefully the boys can put on a good performance for the Blake family, especially James, in Round 11 against the Lions!
