Either through necessity or creativity, some coaches look for positional changes to turn a game or season.
Utilising defenders in attack, or rebounders through the midfield, role switches can be unearthed, adding a whole new perspective to what the player is capable of.
Some moves in 2025 resulted in All-Australian blazers, while others caused oppositional distress. We take you through some of the best positional changes of 2025...
Reuben Ginbey
Half-Back to Key Defender
Ginbey was drafted by the Eagles as a local product with immense versatility, but with an eye to the midfield in years to come.
Standing at 191cm, it was far-fetched to think he could play key defender in a rebuilding side, but coach 'Mini' gave him the opportunity.
Ginbey was deployed as a tall backman in 2025, and due to his incredible efforts, was rewarded with the club's best defensive player title, as well as finishing runner-up in the John Worsfold Medal.
He was seen throughout the year blanketing Jeremy Cameron and Sam Darcy, while Riley Thilthorpe, Charlie Curnow and Josh Treacy have stood opposite him.
