Third-year Crow Max Michalanney says the motivation for his move to the forward line stemmed from the opportunity to play on Richmond interceptor Nick Vlastuin.
The 21-year-old defender threw a spanner in the works on Sunday afternoon, when he took his place on the half-forward flank alongside the three-time premiership Tiger.
Michalanney shone in the new role, booting three goals and recording seven score involvements, while restricting Vlastuin to just three marks.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Michalanney explained how the move came about and the lessons he learned from his time in the forward line.
“Obviously (Nick) Vlastuin is a really good player and I kind of thought it (the opportunity to play on him) would be a great learning curve for me,” Michalanney said.
“He is probably somebody I model my game off, so the ability for me to go forward and play a tagging role was a great way for me to work out the strengths in his game, how he gets so much of the ball and intercepts the ball.
“I think he (Vlastuin) was definitely surprised I came to him, he was very good about it though and by the end of the game he was giving me tips on how to be forward, it was all in good fun.
“Overall I got a lot out of the experience, learned a heap and it’s something I’ll be more than happy to do again.”
The South Australian admitted his venture to the forward line on Sunday was the first time he had played the position since his days in the Under-12s.
He said the change of scenery was one he enjoyed, and would continue to put his hand up for different roles.
“I really loved playing up the ground a little bit more, it was a bit of a change for me and they say change is as good as a holiday so I was happy with it,” Michalanney said.
“Obviously the game is completely different from the other side of the field, but I’ve learned a few tricks in my time as a defender, I’ve played on the best forwards in the comp most week so I took a bit from what they do.
“The opportunity to do different things each week really excites me, whether that’s in the midfield, up forward or down back, I’m more than happy to play wherever and play my role for the team.”
While Michalanney has not spent too much in the forward-50 during his career, goal-kicking does run in the family, with his father Jim booting 342 goals from his 211 games for Norwood.
So when all three of his set shots went through the big sticks against the Tigers, Michalanney said his dad was quick to pipe up.
“He (my Dad) has been taking credit for my straight goal-kicking,” Michalanney said.
“But other than that he sort of stays out of now, growing up he obviously coached me a fair bit, especially with the kicking.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”