We had to get up and sing a song in Malay. I kinda just tried to look like I was singing because I wasn’t sure of the words! 

I didn’t win the draw prize. 

They got us dressed up for the occasion. I was crazy. It was next level! 

The Sultan was there too. 

 

Blake, six from left back row

But this isn’t your first foray overseas, is it?

That’s right. At 19 I tried to put my name out there and got a contract with Penarol, one of the biggest clubs in Uruguay. I played a year there then moved to a second division club in Uruguay and played 18 months there. I took a risk and left like I did here. 

What did Uruguayan football give you?

Uruguay gave me that passion for football. They live and breathe it. Win every tackle. That was what I mainly gained, my passion in the field and will to win.

I became a better player after that spell. They have some very, very good players, some in the league play for the national team. That tells you how high the level is. 

It’s crazy, only three million people in that country and they still produce some of the best players in the world in the biggest leagues.  

Did you come across Bruno Fornaroli?

I was on trial at a club before I signed with Penarol called Danubio in the reserves. So he was part of the first team so I’d see him train on the other pitch to us. 

 

On the cover of DPMM FC's match-day mag

 

NPL life and getting that chance in the A-League, sum it up, Blake…

It’s very disappointing for most players that are doing very well in the NPL that they can’t even get a trial in the A-League.

But now a few are getting a chance, like Jordan Murray at Central Coast, but there needs to be more opportunities because from what I’ve seen, there are some very, very good players in the NPL that could easily make a move to full-time football. 

Advice to players in a similar situation to you in the NPL?

You gotta keep grinding away and hustling. Keep believing. Have confidence because you never know when an opportunity can arise. I had to initiate this by sending my video out.

If you want it you need to be on the front foot and keep working hard because you never know when the opportunity comes along. I want to keep bettering myself and my game. 

Look at me, I’m 26.

Some may think it’s too old and there’s no chance.

*Action shots and promo shot courtesy of AKK Design Brunei.