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...
Joel Freijah
Defence to Midfield
Coined the 'right-footed Bont', Freijah adds a unique element to the Bulldogs' midfield group, while also alleviating the pressure heaped on Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore.
The 20-year-old hasn't missed a game since debuting in Round 9, 2024, but has continued to develop his running capacity and ball accumulation skills, constantly getting into the right spots.
A breakout game against Sydney put the AFL world on notice, with Freijah kicking four majors from 23 disposals. But more importantly, it showed his willingness to be a difference maker in the contest.
The move from coach Luke Beveridge was due to Adam Treloar and Bontempelli's absence, but he has unveiled a more-than-worthy onballer in his lineup.
