EVERY season certain players put their hand up for a new role. And every season coaches are presented with an opportunity to try new things.

We look at the players who could be presented with a new challenge in 2019 and our reporters make the call on that player's best position. If you were coach, what would you do? Check it out.

Riley Knight: Played most of his 39-game career as a forward, but the speedy 23-year-old has also spent time through the midfield. Has been given tagging roles at times and is almost like a new recruit, having only played eight senior games last year.

Verdict: Roll Knight through the midfield.

David Mackay: The 202-game veteran has been a reliable contributor to the Crows for a long time, but could find himself squeezed out. With Rory Atkins and Paul Seedsman on the wings, and Brodie Smith and Rory Laird across half-back, it's tough to find a role for 30-year-old Mackay, who averaged 16.6 disposals per game last year.

Verdict: Solid depth player if injuries strike.

Wayne Milera: The smooth mover enjoyed a breakout season last year when he was tried across half-back, but a switch to the midfield could be on the cards. Is in ripping nick, won the Crows' time trials and the return of Brodie Smith allows Milera to move out of defence.

Verdict: A midfield move beckons. - Lee Gaskin

KICK-IN KINGS Who takes the responsibility at your club?

Harris Andrews: Named in the 40-man All Australian squad last year as a full-back but seriously being considered to start 2019 in the front half. A great overhead mark that could help take the load off Eric Hipwood but would it be robbing Peter to pay Paul?

Verdict: Forward

Zac Bailey: The second-year speedster played as a small forward for many of his 12 games last year, but Brisbane wants to add some dash to its backline and Bailey fits the bill. A move there could see Daniel Rich or Alex Witherden pushed to a wing for small stints.

Verdict: Half-back with small midfield minutes

Jarrod Berry: Groomed as an inside midfielder during his first two seasons, Berry could spend more time on a wing with his powerful running. Chris Fagan wants maxiumum flexibility with his midfield rotation, but the addition of Lachie Neale and Jarryd Lyons might see Berry utilised a little more away from the contest.

Verdict: Wing with stints as an inside mid. - Michael Whiting

Could the Lions swing a surprise and play Harris Andrew up forward? Picture: AFL Photos



Marc Murphy: Injury and fitness issues stunted Murphy's ability to spend longer periods through the midfield late last season and forced Brendon Bolton to become creative with the veteran. He played on a wing, but also drifted across half-back, where he was able to use his foot skills effectively. A talented young midfield could make that the norm for Murphy.

Verdict: Expect his midfield minutes to shorten further.

Levi Casboult: He's been used in defence throughout match simulation drills for two reasons. The first is a raft of injuries that have depleted Carlton's key position stocks down back. The second is that Mitch McGovern's arrival and the emergence of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow could force him out of the forward line. Can he become an interceptor?

Verdict: Will play forward but could be used as an emergency option down back.

Ed Curnow: Has spent his entire career in the midfield but has been used predominantly as a small forward throughout the summer. The Blues are desperate to become an improved pressure team inside 50 and hope that Curnow can provide that intensity at ground level. Has been described as a 'bulldog' by coaches when he does crumb the ball on the deck.

Verdict: Expect him to pinch-hit forward regularly throughout the year. - Riley Beveridge

BEST FORWARDS We rank every club's attack

Mason Cox: In his brief AFL career the much-hyped 'American Pie' has predominantly played forward and provided ruck relief for Brodie Grundy, but the Magpies want to keep him in attack on a full-time basis to showcase his pack marking and conversion, as he did so famously in the preliminary final win over Richmond. It will largely depend on how former Western Bulldogs big man Jordan Roughead handles the challenge of playing as a key defender and back-up ruckman.

Verdict: Roughead's versatility to enable Cox chaos.

Jordan De Goey: Everyone knows the Magpie matchwinner is going to spend the bulk of his time in attack, but what is his optimal forward/midfield balance? Last year led the Pies' goalkicking with 48 in 21 games but, fitness permitting, is expected to demand more midfield minutes, which would add more grunt to a brilliant midfield and make the Pies even more unpredictable.

Verdict: A 70/30 or 60/40 forward/midfield split.

BUCKS' VERDICT No one's safe in Pies' star-studded midfield

Tyson Goldsack: The popular veteran was slated for a forward role last pre-season when he suffered a knee injury that required reconstructive surgery, before making a miracle return in the finals as a key defender. The 31-year-old is likely to be sent forward again, perhaps in a nullifying role, although it could depend on the availability of tall backs.

Verdict: Could face a tough task breaking into a formidable attack. - Ben Collins

Orazio Fantasia: Fantasia is such a key player for the Bombers near goal because of his pace, class and finishing skills. There are few players more reliable around goal for the Bombers than Fantasia. But that movement, agility and creativity would be a big bonus for the Dons around the ball more. Would coach John Worsfold be tempted to throw Fantasia in the middle?

Verdict: Forward with midfield flashes.

Cale Hooker: The Bombers know they can play Hooker at both ends, given the All Australian defender kicked 41 goals in attack in 2017. But, once recovered from the hamstring strain that has interrupted his pre-season, Hooker will be settled in defence this season, with the ability to swap forward in stints if required.

Verdict: A key member of Essendon's defence.

Andrew McGrath: McGrath has trained solely in the midfield group this summer, and he's been a standout. The No.1 draft pick's first two seasons have been mainly spent sweeping things up across half-back with some time in the midfield, but the Bombers will need to cover him in defence because his biggest impact this season looks set to be in the middle.

Verdict: A new midfield jet for the Bombers. - Callum Twomey

Andrew McGrath looks set for a permanent midfield move in 2019. Picture: AFL Photos



Adam Cerra: The classy youngster was switched between half-back and midfield roles in 21 games last year and is set to be swung around again by Ross Lyon depending on the team's needs. Lyon likes playing Cerra behind the ball to maximise his sharp decision-making and clean distribution, but he will be needed to help a depleted engine room early in 2019.

Verdict: Mainly in defence, switching onball.

Brennan Cox: Earned a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination after leading a young forward line in an upset victory over Adelaide last year, but the arrivals of Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb look like squeezing Cox into a swingman role. Lyon has flagged playing three tall forwards but Matt Taberner appears ahead in the race for the last spot.

Verdict: Starts back if Hogan is fit for round one.

Michael Walters: The Dockers really need two of Walters. He has won the goalkicking in three of the past four years, and finished third in 2017 after being unleashed more often as a damaging midfielder. He wants to spend time in the engine room, but will the Dockers have enough ground-level firepower up front?

Verdict: 60/40 split between attack and midfield. - Travis King

STRONGEST MIDFIELDS Every club's engine room ranked

Gary Ablett: A post-season conversation between Ablett and coach Chris Scott will see the champion midfielder take on a new role in attack. He spent 29 per cent of time as a forward for 16 goals last year, but expect that time split to almost double in 2019 with flashes through the midfield. Bagged 44 goals in a personal-best 2010 season – will it be bettered?

Verdict: Forward pocket for the first bounce on March 22.

Jack Henry: Thrown forward late last season after bursting onto the scene in the back half, Henry has been training as a defender this summer. With the Cats well-equipped for key defensive stocks with Harry Taylor, Mark Blicavs and Lachie Henderson, Scott hasn't ruled out the possibility of Henry becoming a potential swingman.

Verdict: Starts back.

Gary Rohan: With the Swan heavily discussed as a pressure forward since arriving at GMHBA Stadium, Scott told AFL.com.au on Friday Rohan could also be unleashed at half-back. With gun rebounder Zach Tuohy in doubt for round one action, Scott's decision could be fast-tracked.

Verdict: Starts forward. - Mitch Cleary

Callum Ah Chee: One of the most talented players on the list, the 21-year-old has excelled as a forward but showed last season he could also be damaging running off half-back. An injury-free season for Pearce Hanley and the addition of Jordan Murdoch might make this decision easier.

Verdict: Forward

Ben Ainsworth: Like Ah Chee, started his career as a powerful small forward but was given short bursts in the midfield last season. Now entering his third year, Ainsworth should be fit enough to play a primary midfield role but his goalkicking nous is hard to ignore in the forward 50.

Verdict: Half-forward with some midfield minutes

Jack Bowes: Has played a variety of roles in his first two seasons, starting at half-back, spending time on the wing and in the midfield. Bowes is highly skilled and has the speed to hurt opponents on the wing and has now added the muscle to be a force inside the contest.

Verdict: Plenty of minutes on the ball. - Michael Whiting

A fitter Ben Ainsworth is set for some midfield minutes this season. Picture: AFL Photos







Tim Taranto: The No.2 draft pick from 2016 spent almost 50 per cent of his time in the centre last year after serving as predominantly a forward in his rookie season. Dylan Shiel's departure may accelerate Taranto's inevitable transformation into a full-time midfielder – and he's already proved how ready he is.

Verdict: Taranto will be a big part of the Giants' midfield.

Lachie Whitfield: Whitfield was a revelation at half-back last season, earning maiden All Australian honours after Nathan Wilson's defection to Fremantle and Zac Williams' serious Achilles injury. The silky smooth Giant, the dux of the 2012 draft class, still spent some time in his more customary midfield role in 2018.

Verdict: Tough one. But why change a good thing?

Jon Patton: The General still faces a long stint on the sidelines recovering from a third knee reconstruction, but hopes to be a factor in the second half of the season. The experiment with Patton as a back-up ruckman didn't go to plan and he failed to reach the heights of his 2016 and 2017 seasons, during which he booted a combined 83 goals.

Verdict: Leave him in attack. - Marc McGowan

Jack Gunston: Gunston can just about be slotted into every position on the ground and he'd be a success. Alastair Clarkson used him down back and on the wing for much of 2017, but he was utilised mostly as a forward last year as he amassed 50-plus goals for the fourth time in five seasons.

Verdict: He's a brilliant forward.

Chad Wingard: The mercurial former Port Adelaide star was a huge addition to the brown and gold ranks in the NAB AFL Trade Period. He is equally capable up forward as he is through the middle – evidenced by a swag of five-goal and 30-plus-possession efforts in his career. Does Tom Mitchell's injury sway him towards the midfield?

Verdict: Will play both positions, but probably more as a forward.

Shaun Burgoyne: Hawthorn's super-veteran extraordinaire is the club's Swiss Army knife. He's a calming influence at half-back, an impact player in the centre and dangerous up forward. Working out where he will land is a rival coach's nightmare, mostly because he can swing a contest in all three areas of the ground.

Verdict: Expect to see him across half-forward. - Marc McGowan

CASE FOR THE DEFENCE We rank every club's backline

Bayley Fritsch: Fritsch has been one of, if not, the standout player at Melbourne this pre-season. The 22-year-old played in all three areas of the ground last year but has been training as a defender and on the wing this pre-season, where he has used his marking prowess and elite kicking to advantage.

Verdict: Rotating between wing and half-back is Fritsch's likely destination.

Christian Petracca: Petracca is a supreme talent and has proved that he is a better than capable AFL player in his 63 career games. However, there is an overwhelming feeling the 23-year-old has the potential to reach superstardom and entering his fifth season the step up could come sooner rather than later.

Verdict: In attack, with bursts through the midfield.

Joel Smith: Smith has spent the majority of his 11 games as a defender but is set to make the switch to the forward line in 2019. At 191cm, Smith has a superb vertical leap and he plays with real speed when the ball hits the deck.

Verdict: Will play as the third tall alongside Tom McDonald and Sam Weideman. - Ben Guthrie

Is Christian Petracca finally ready to make the step up for superstardom? Picture: AFL Photos



Ben Cunnington: North looks set to repeat its successful experiment with Jack Ziebell last year and rest Cunnington for extended periods in attack. The inside bull remains the Roos' most-influential clearance player, but the club's increased midfield depth will give it the flexibility to play him inside forward 50 more often. At 185cm, Cunnington is a strong mark, while his new role will enable him to spend more time on the ground.

Verdict: Midfield with extended forward time.

Luke McDonald: McDonald was used in a variety of roles in 2018, moving between the backline, wing and run-with midfield roles, something North feels could have unsettled him. Coach Brad Scott told AFL.com.au this week versatility in a player was important but said clubs had to be careful they continued to utilise that player's strengths. At this stage of his career, McDonald looks most comfortable in defence and that's where he was stationed in Wednesday's intraclub game.

Verdict: Likely to settle in defence

Jy Simpkin: Was introduced into North's midfield rotations in his second season last year and quickly showed he had the mettle to cut it around stoppages despite his light frame. However, Simpkin, 182cm, is a class act in attack with his keen goal sense and deceptive aerial strength. The Roos have not managed enough goals from their small forwards in recent season and, with Jared Polec, Dom Tyson and Aaron Hall likely to come straight into the midfield, could look to Simpkin to turn that around.

Verdict: Primarily stationed in attack. - Nick Bowen

FUTURE PICKS Who you should barrack against in 2019

Brad Ebert: The experienced midfielder has been training as a deep forward during the summer. Ebert is strong overhead, while it allows the Power to add more speed through the midfield, something they lacked last year with too many players – Ebert, Ollie Wines, Sam Powell-Pepper and Tom Rockliff – of a similar mould.

Verdict: A move forward could work wonders.

Paddy Ryder: Played a lone hand in the ruck for the past two seasons, but finally gets some reinforcement with the arrival of West Coast's premiership big man Scott Lycett. That should allow Ryder to conserve his body and play as a tall forward more often, especially with key forward Charlie Dixon under an injury cloud for the start of the season.

Verdict: 70 per cent forward.

Justin Westhoff: The 248-game veteran – Port's reigning best and fairest – is the definition of versatility. Played mostly on the wing last year while chopping out in the ruck and going forward occasionally. Might be needed forward more often in Dixon's absence.

Verdict: Forward with a bit of wing. - Lee Gaskin

Paddy Ryder could be set for increased time up forward. Picture: AFL Photos



Brandon Ellis: Last season was an odd one for the 25-year-old, who was dropped in round six after 111 consecutive games, and again before Richmond's qualifying final against Hawthorn. Capable of playing off half-back or on the wing, the Tigers' defensive rebound depth in Jayden Short, Bachar Houli and Oleg Markov (who has been one of the team's best this summer) means Ellis could be squeezed out.

Verdict: Lines up on the wing.

Josh Caddy: Recruited with an eye on playing him in the midfield, Caddy has spent the majority of his two seasons at Tigerland up forward. A strong contested player, Caddy is competing for a midfield role with Brownlow medallists Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin among others. Has worked well in a one-two punch with Jack Riewoldt up forward.

Verdict: Bursts aside, it's up forward again.

Jack Higgins: Higgins captured the imagination of footy fans with his exuberant on-field play and entertaining off-field interviews in his first year. Played predominantly as a small forward in Richmond's mosquito fleet. The addition of Tom Lynch will force a reshuffle of the forward line, and Higgins has already spent brief periods of time in the midfield in 2018.

Verdict: Forward flank rotating through middle. - Sarah Black

Jade Gresham: It's not hard to see why the Saints want the 21-year-old in the midfield. He has a lovely sidestep, knows his way around stoppages, tackles well and is one of the side's best kicks. Ultimately though, his tank probably isn't ready to be a full-time onballer, while his goalkicking nous makes him a tempting option in attack.

Verdict: A fairly even split, with slightly more time up forward.

Jack Billings: Consistency has been a problem for the talented left-footer. His best footy came in 2017 across half-forward, but when he was struggling early last year the Saints tried him up on a wing at times, where he has spent time before. Is training with the midfield group. Verdict: Mostly on a wing but will go forward if more firepower is needed.

Josh Battle: St Kilda loves what it sees in the 20-year-old, who's aggressive and is one of the Saints' most impressive athletes. This pre-season though, he's been training with the backline, because the club believes those attributes could prove useful in defence. Verdict: Down back, but could be thrown into attack if necessary. - Dinny Navaratnam

WHO'S LEFT YOUR CLUB? All the latest retirements and delistings

Callum Mills: Sydney lost a host of experience through its midfield and could be looking to find ways to fill that void in 2019. While Mills is an obvious candidate, the question the Swans brains trust must ask is whether they can afford to lose him from their backline. He's courageous, reads the play well and uses the footy effectively. That screams half-back.

Verdict: He's too good to move from the backline.

Tom Papley: He was earmarked to spend more time through the midfield last year but had a limited pre-season and ultimately spent the majority of his year as a forward. He might get a second crack at becoming an on-baller this season. He's been training through the middle and will provide the Swans with a bit of zip and explosiveness out of the centre.

Verdict: He'll pinch-hit through the midfield more regularly in 2019.

Sam Reid: The returning Reid has a long history of spending the majority of his time forward but shifting back in the last two to three minutes of every quarter. With Heath Grundy reaching the final stages of his career, perhaps a decision could be made to push Reid into the backline permanently. Do the Swans have enough forward options to do this?

Verdict: More of the same for Sydney's swingman. - Riley Beveridge

Defender or midfielder? Callum Mills might be too good to be shifted. Picture: AFL Photos



Oscar Allen: Chopped and changed between key defence and attack in his debut season, Allen has the competitive instincts and determination to make a successful backman but won the Larke Medal at the NAB AFL Under-18s Championships leading WA's forward line. Played two AFL games last year, the first in defence and second up front.

Verdict: Forward with the ability to swing back or pinch-hit in the ruck.

Lewis Jetta: Was among the Eagles who benefited from having a clearly-defined role last year, producing his best season in the blue and gold across half-back after crossing from Sydney at the end of 2015. Has been used on a wing and is an option there while Andrew Gaff serves the last two games of his suspension.

Verdict: Half-back with the occasional burst up the ground.

Willie Rioli: Has been touted for more midfield time where he can use his exceptional footy brain, speed and skill, not to mention an uncanny ability to extract centre clearances. But would it be robbing Peter to pay Paul taking Rioli too far from goals after 28 majors in his debut campaign?

Verdict: Up front. His pressure will be invaluable while Jamie Cripps is sidelined early. - Travis King

FULL FIXTURE Every round, every game

Taylor Duryea: Used more as a forward later in his time at Hawthorn, the dual premiership defender has been training down back since arriving at Whitten Oval. Can provide leadership in a young defence that includes Aaron Naughton, Bailey Williams and Zaine Cordy. Will also link up with former teammate Matt Suckling.

Verdict: Small defender

Jackson Trengove: Spent 29 per cent of 2018 as a ruckman and that could increase with the departure of Jordan Roughead and Tom Campbell, and the injury concerns around Tom Boyd. With Tim English poised to claim the No.1 mantle, Trengove's flexibility would also allow him to partner Josh Schache as a marking option in Boyd's absence in attack after the majority of last season as a defender.

Verdict: Everywhere man who will pinch-hit in the ruck.

Ed Richards: His debut season consisted of two distinct halves. Spent his first 10 games as a dedicated half-back, before a genuine split between forward, midfield and defence to finish the year. Expect him to find a home on the wing this season as he builds his endurance base.

Verdict: Winger with exquisite ball use. - Mitch Cleary