A change into the half-back line can sometimes take weeks to settle into.
For Collingwood Next Generation Academy talent Eli Kravic, it took about a quarter.
After playing most of his football building through the midfield and forward line, the 2027 draft-eligible prospect was placed behind the ball for Oakleigh's match against Western Jets on the weekend.
By the final siren, he had 25 disposals and produced one of his most well-rounded performances of the season and arguably his best Talent League game yet.
The move wasn't made by chance.
"I was talking with the coaches during the week about bringing out some of the traits and attributes that are really strong in my game," Kravic told Zero Hanger.
"My left foot, my penetrating kick, my ability to break lines and intercept the ball."
Kravic has also benefited from an experienced coaching team at the school level, working around past Richmond VFL coach Steve Morris and Oakleigh coach and former Collingwood forward Travis Cloke through the season.
Former Melbourne player Tom McDonald also helped with his craft and space work, using valuable advice that has helped his development.
"(Cloke) told me on Thursday I'd be going back down. I'd played there a little bit when I was younger, so it wasn't completely new, but I hadn't played there at that level for a long time," Kravic said.
The role immediately offered a different perspective on the game.
As a forward, much of the focus centres around creating opportunities. Behind the ball, Kravic quickly discovered the demands that come with reading opposition movements and positioning himself before the contest even unfolds.
"There's a lot more strategy around where you need to stand and how the ball's being moved by the opposition," Kravic said.
"There were definitely stages where I was a bit lost, but it was good to keep working through it."
Despite the change-up, Kravic looked comfortable.
His composure with the ball in hand and ability to launch attacks from defence became standout features throughout the game against the Western Jets.
It drew praise from coaches who have continued backing the Under-16s 2025 Vic Metro representative.
"I probably haven't had the start to the year that I wanted," Kravic admitted.
"Especially after playing Metro last year, I just haven't been playing at a level I'd been really happy with.
"But all the coaches really believed in me and the way I play. They were really pleased to see how it came out on the day."
While the stat line reflected the impact, Kravic was most pleased with the area he prides himself on above all else.
Many onlookers point to his strength through the contests, but internally, he looks at himself differently.
"I really pride myself on my kick and my left foot," he said.
"I thought it was really damaging on the day.
"I'd intercept the ball and be able to start the offence from the backline. I had a lot of rebound 50s and was able to get the ball moving and open the game up with my vision and footy IQ."
The performance also delivered something equally important - self-belief.
"My confidence probably wasn't the best during the early patch of the season," Kravic said.
"But looking back on that game, I'm really pleased with how I played.
"Confidence is probably the most important thing. The game's 95% mental. Everyone's got the skills, but it's all about your mindset and how you carry yourself."
That mentality has become increasingly important as Kravic balances school football, Talent League commitments and his connection with Collingwood through its NGA program.
His weeks are packed with training sessions, recovery, game reviews and development work, while upcoming school holidays will provide another opportunity to train alongside AFL-listed players at the Magpies.
Rather than simply adding volume, Collingwood's view has been on helping Kravic build the small aspects of his game.
"They're really supportive about not training me too hard because I've got so many school and Oakleigh commitments," Kravic said.
"It's more about building my game's positioning, mindset, vision and all that stuff.
"I'm lucky enough to train with the AFL boys during the break, which I'm really excited about."
"I kind of idolise Jordan De Goey, especially his physicality and power around stoppages.
"I want to be known as that player who can have that X-factor and turn a game on its head."
While much of the spotlight naturally falls on individual development, Kravic's focus remains on team success.
Scotch College sits firmly in the APS final race, with several crucial matches looming in the coming weeks, to decide the push to the final.
For Kravic, the opportunity to chase a premiership alongside close friends is proving just as motivating as any personal achievement.
"No one really expected us to do so well this year," he said.
"I think it's all to do with the culture around the boys and how well everyone's meshing together.
"It's the best footy to be a part of.
"It's just playing footy with your mates."
The half-back experiment may have only lasted one game so far, but if last weekend was any indication, it could be the role that unlocks the next stage of Eli Kravic's development.
