BLAKE Acres made his way to IKON Park for the first time yesterday, after the new recruit became a Blue in the Continental Tyres Trade Period earlier this month. 

The 27-year-old wingman moved to Carlton from Fremantle, where he played 20 games including their finals appearances this year. 

To mark Acres' arrival at his new home, he answered questions that the fans wanted answered the most, starting with why Acres nominated Carlton. 

“To be honest, it was just the perfect fit for me: I was in Victoria for six years with the Saints and I loved being in Victoria,” Acres said. 

“I saw an opportunity to come back and where Carlton is at with their list and where I’m at with my footy, I feel like it’s a really good fit for me and the Club.”

Having returned from a trip to America only two days ago, Acres had not yet had the opportunity to get to IKON Park and meet many of the coaches or players, but that didn’t stop him from meeting a few new faces overseas. 

“I was doing a bit of a tour through the States. I was in Vegas and I caught up with Zac Fisher, Paddy Dow and Sammy Walsh and then in Austin, ‘Crippa’ jumped on board so caught up with him – I was with them for a couple of days,” he said. 

“I haven’t actually met 'Vossy' in person yet, just on the phone, but he seems chill and seems like a good fella.” 

One of Acres most eye-catching talents is his work across the wing, with his run and carry plus hsi ability to get back and help the defence just some of the assets he will look to showcase at the Blues. 

Having played 120 games across two clubs in his career, Acres also has a wealth of experience that he hopes can be put to good use with an emerging Carlton lsit.

“My run is something I look to bring every week and being an on-field leader for the group as well – communicating and helping set up our defence and having a bit more experience,” he said. 

“For me, just consistency with my prep each week for games, making sure I’m doing the things that I value each week, getting myself up to perform at a high level each week.” 

One thing that definitely excites Acres is the prospect of playing in front of huge crowds in some of football's classic rivalries.

Playing in one of his biggest games in the 2022 semi final against Collingwood, Acres was awed by the atmosphere and can’t wait to feel that in most of Carlton’s games. 

And when it came to the prospect of clashes with the Pies, Bombers or Tigers, it was the prospect of wearing the Navy Blue against the old enemy which most excited him.

“I know Carlton plays in the biggest games all year so instead of sitting back and watching them, I’ll hopefully get to be a part of them, so I’m excited about that,” he said. 

“My last game at Freo against Collingwood, there were 91,000 there. We lost the game obviously but it was one of the most fun and enjoyable experiences I’ve had playing footy – getting to do that week in and week out will be great.” 

A West Australian product, Acres will be reunited with not only former-Fremantle teammate Adam Cerra, but also his junior representative footy teammate, Patrick Cripps. 

Playing together for WA in the 2013 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, Acres admits he’s always admired the way Cripps plays, even when he was a smaller-bodied footballer. 

“We did our 16s together and he was really small, like a small forward and then he grew and got really big and then in 18s he was like a beast,” he said. 

“We were close during the state times and I’m looking forward to getting back with him and working with him again. 

“I remember playing with him back in the 18s, we were both very young but I loved how he plays, I think I can help him and he’s going to help me a lot as well. 

“I remember how tough [Cerra] is, how much of a hard worker he is and keen to get to work with him, I loved playing with him back at Freo.”