Victorian Premier Cricket: Melbourne’s Blake Thomson reveals what’s behind his run spree

The Melbourne captain has peeled off back-to-back centuries and spoken of the two big changes he made before the Premier Cricket season.

Blake Thomson's run-making ways continue for Melbourne...

Of all the centuries he’s scored, Bake Thomson said his 127 against Ringwood on Saturday was “definitely up there”.

The nearly six-hour innings, in Melbourne’s 5-304, followed his 188 against Essendon last week.

With two tons and 351 runs, at 117, Thomson’s sizzling start to the Premier Cricket season has everyone talking.

And the man himself has revealed the key factors behind his purple patch of form.

“A couple of things,” Thomson said.

“I’ve done a lot of work on the mental side of my game.

“So I’m really, really strong and confident in my process, like pre-ball process, that sort of thing.

“I’ve also got really fit, I’m probably the fittest I’ve ever been. I’ve lost seven kilos from the grand final last season. I’ve been running, gyming, eating as good as I can.

“I really think that has contributed to me being able to bat long periods of time.”

Blake Thomson.

Thomson on the drive. Pictures: Andy Brownbill

Asked to elaborate on his pre-ball routine, Thomson said: “I do few little things but I suppose the most important thing about it is it’s the same thing every ball.

“I won’t go into details of it but it’s the same thing every ball, being really strong on that.

“The point of it is if I am going through a tough spell of bowling or I’m starting to fatigue or whatever, by doing my routine I essentially don’t have time to think about anything else…and that means I can’t think about all the negative things.

“It’s about clearing my mind so I can watch the ball and react to it.”

Thomson said he enjoyed the battle with the Ringwood bowlers on Saturday.

“It was just a grind all day, it felt like I never really got on top of them,’’ he said.

Melbourne coach Ben Vague revealed Thomson had battled injuries during both of his centuries in the past week.

He also said the Melbourne change rooms were filled with emotion after Saturday’s play as vice captain Jack Harper paid tribute to Thomson.

“Oh mate, I’m lost for words,” Vague said.

“I’ve said it so many times that he (Thomson) just has this incredible will to win a game.

“The last two centuries that he’s made though, like, they’ve just been remarkable.

“On Saturday, (Ringwood paceman Matt) Fotia bowling about 140 clicks whacked him on the forearm…he couldn’t hold his bat — that was when he was on about 50.

“I was deadset telling him to get off the ground because he was looking so uncomfortable and in a lot of pain but he stayed out there and ended up making 127.

“The week before he strains his hamstring and ends up staying out there most of the day and makes 188 just with this burning desire to win games for Melbourne Cricket Club, it’s an absolute inspiration.

“Jack Harper spoke after the game and said he’s never seen a dressing room right behind a captain because of his actions and how he leads this team.

“It was pretty emotional, a pretty special time.”

Vague said Thomson was an inspiration to his teammates.

“If you want to make it you’ve got to have the character and the attributes Blake Thomson has. He got kicked in the guts when he lost his contract and then he’s had three years of punching out runs, doesn’t get a contract and in the first (Victorian) second XI game this year he makes a pair and then he just gets back to Melbourne and his attitude was fantastic and he grafts out two hundreds. Yeah, pretty remarkable person and player.”

Blake Thomson’s 2023-24 season:

Rd 1, v Geelong: 36

Rd 2, v Essendon: 188

Rd 3, v Ringwood: 127

Total: 351 runs, at 117

*Thomson is using a Rebellion bat made by his dad, Dave, in Ballarat.

“My old man makes them, he’s got his own brand down in Ballarat. Back in Ballarat there were a lot of guys using bats that weren’t very good so he started the brand and his goal is to import the best quality timber he possibly can and sell it to guys so they have good quality bats. I think they’re a really good bat, I wouldn’t be using it if I didn’t think they were good quality.’’