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Melbourne coach Ben Vague optimistic on Blake Thomson’s future

Melbourne coach Ben Vague is optimistic when it comes to Blake Thomson regaining a Victorian contract, claiming his captain has done it “the right way”.

Premier Cricket: Essendon v Melbourne: Blake Thomson of Melbourne batting Saturday, January 23, 2021, in Essendon, Victoria, Australia. Picture: Hamish Blair
Premier Cricket: Essendon v Melbourne: Blake Thomson of Melbourne batting Saturday, January 23, 2021, in Essendon, Victoria, Australia. Picture: Hamish Blair

Melbourne coach Ben Vague understands the positive chatter around Demons’ captain Blake Thomson, singing the praises of his four-season “body of runs”.

Since losing his Victorian contract in 2018, Thomson has accumulated 3105 Premier Cricket runs at an average of 45 and has taken his recent Second XI opportunity with both hands — earning well deserved discussion about whether he should regain a state contract.

Vague has few doubts on Thomson’s capabilities to perform at a higher level.

“He’s so much better, he would say so himself that he was very young, inexperienced and probably not ready when he got his first contract,” Vague said.

“I think what he has done regarding putting together a body of runs is the right way to go about it.

“He was heartbroken to lose his contract, but at the same time he has got to work – he’s made 600 plus runs since and has gone from a good cricketer to a great cricketer.

“I really hope he does get an opportunity, because there is no player that I have seen with the will to win a game of cricket for his team like Blake Thomson.

“I think his white-ball is great but I think his red-ball game is exceptional; his grit, determination and run-scoring, he doesn’t have a weakness.

“He deserves an opportunity to get a state contract more than anyone I can think of.”

Blake Thomson. Picture: Hamish Blair
Blake Thomson. Picture: Hamish Blair

Vague claims Thomson has added motivation if he was to be listed by Victoria but is confident he would make the most of a chance anywhere.

“He’s definitely ready, I have no doubt in my mind given the opportunity to play Shield cricket or one-day cricket for his state, he will do an exceptional job, he is ready for that opportunity,” he said.

“He’s done everything they have asked of him, so I would love for them to give him an opportunity.

“He loves Victorian cricket, he loves his state and I think he has a fair bit to prove in and for Victorian cricket.

“My preference would be to see him earn an opportunity for Victoria, however he deserves an opportunity anywhere and he would take that anywhere as well.”

Thomson will lead Melbourne into another preliminary final this week having made 109no and 90no in his last two red-ball finals.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/ballarat/melbourne-coach-ben-vague-optimistic-on-blake-thomsons-future/news-story/5517240cb1087fe3912b991ea1c9d56e