Man who answered Storm call
25.09.2009
By: Dan Koch
Rugby League
GIVEN the way the stars appear to have aligned for Melbourne over the past fortnight, it is easy to forget the predicament coach Craig Bellamy faced just a month ago.
In round 24 the Storm was dismantled in front of its home crowd by premier Manly. It was Melbourne's third loss in four matches and with injury and suspension ravaging his squad, Bellamy warned his men they would be watching the finals from the sidelines for the first time since his arrival in 2003 if no one was prepared to lead the side out of its mire.
That it was Adam Blair who answered the call should come as a surprise to no one.
While the quietly-spoken and humble New Zealander insists he is ``not much of a leader'', the reality is Blair's story is one of a man who responds when others need him the most.
Having farewelled hard-headed veterans Michael Crocker, Ben Cross and Antonio Kaufusi in the off-season, injuries to Jeff Lima, Matt Cross, Sika Manu and Scott Anderson late in the season had stretched the Storm's playing resources to the limit. And Blair was forced to move into an uncustomary backrow role.
He has responded with a stellar month of football, further enhancing his growing reputation as one of the game's most effective forwards -- a reputation former Melbourne captain and Test prop Robbie Kearns says was built on his uncompromising performances for New Zealand in last year's World Cup.
``I think he really came of age last year in the World Cup,'' Kearns said.
``Talking to (Melbourne assistant and New Zealand coach) Stephen Kearney, he really took on a leadership role there with the Kiwis. He's not a self-promoter but Steve said he really came out of his shell at last year's World Cup.
``I just reckon over the last couple of years he has really started to believe in himself a bit.
``Prior to that he was playing second fiddle to some of our other forwards.''
Blair revealed a typically frank discussion with Bellamy during pre-season had opened his eyes to the fact that, like it or not, he needed to become the sort of player his less accomplished teammates could rely on in their hour of need.
However, while not comfortable with the notion of directing or motivating others with anything but his own actions, Blair has a wealth of more genuine life experience when it comes to accepting the most daunting of challenges ... because he needed to, not because he was ready.
The eldest of eight children, Blair had not yet reached his teenage years when his father Willie died after a year-long battle with cancer.
Blair dutifully stepped into the role of provider, taking charge of the family's dairy farm until his mother Jane relocated the entire clan to Wellington shortly after Willie's passing.
Having secured his place in Melbourne's top squad, Blair paid for his family to move to Melbourne almost two years ago. His determination to look after the future of his siblings provided a limitless fuel for his career ambitions.
``It is great having them here now, starting a new life together as a family,'' Blair said. ``I have my football to thank for helping make that happen. My family always comes first, but family and football help each other.
``I am much happier and more settled with them living here and I know that if I can keep improving my game, I can help out whenever any of them need me.''
As it is with all families, the relationship is anything but a one-way street.
While Blair might be able to lend a hand for the occasional bill, in tomorrow night's preliminary final against Brisbane the assistance will come his way from a small but vocal and fiercely loyal cheer squad at Etihad Stadium.
``I love having them at my games and this is a huge game, so it will be nice to have some support there,'' Blair said.
``Brisbane's forwards showed early against the Dragons what they can do, so we have to be ready for that sort of a start.
``We have been guilty of starting slowly quite a few times this year and coming off a week off, we have to be careful we don't let it happen again.
``We need to get out there and put it on them right from the kick-off.''
No prizes for guessing who will be leading the charge.
