Mark Blake Biography

Former Geelong ruckman Mark Blake could be set for a shock AFL return with GWS after Giants football manager Graeme Allan confirming their interest in him.

The 27-year-old spent this year with Mooroopna in the Goulburn Valley Football League, where he won the best and fairest under coach Brad Campbell.

"I know he did enjoy his football this year, he's got his love back for the game to a degree," Campbell said.

"He did think it was gone (AFL career), but there's been a glimmer of hope and I think he's thrived on it."

Geelong premiership ruckman Mark Blake announces his retirement at 99 games after failing to be traded by the Cats.

"You have to be a realist and I suppose in Mark's case it's fair to say there were limited opportunities," Blake's manager Anthony McConville said.

"It's fair to say he was disappointed he wasn't able to achieve the milestone of 100 games after spending eight years there coming through as a father-son."

Shane Mumford has had a taste of senior football and now, as finals loom, he doesn't want to let go after having taken over Mark Blake's position in the ruck.

"Now that I'm here, I really don't want to let go," Mumford said.

"I'm going to grab on with both hands and try and stay here for as long as I can and play in the finals."

Geelong coach Mark Thompson says media criticism of Tom Hawkins and Mark Blake after the St Kilda clash is out of line.

The two Cats have borne the brunt of media scrutiny after performing below expectations in the home and away season's biggest contest.

Hawkins had five possessions while Blake struggled to match Saint game-breaker Michael Gardiner.

"In every game there are players that don't play well, but very rarely have I seen any criticism to this level," Thompson said.

"I'm not sure whether they are trying to push issues or not, but as far as we're concerned they are both young players, they are learning and they'll be better for the experience of playing in that game.

"The way they played, you'd expect they learned something and played better next time."

Mark Blake's CV from the past 2 1/2 years reads better than most ruckmen, yet conjecture mounts over his position at Geelong.

It's all to do with the imminent return of No. 1 ruckman Brad Ottens and the improved form of understudy Shane Mumford, plus a subtle change in the perception of ruckmen this season.

Geelong ruckman Mark Blake entered the clash with Collingwood knowing his role would be vital in the absence of injured teammate Brad Ottens.

Blake and youngster Trent West may not have been prolific ball-winners around the ground, but they at least established a clear dominance of their ruck duel with sole Magpie big man Josh Fraser.