Midfielder Ben Jacobs says the reduced interchange cap has helped him evolve his game even further and become more flexible.
The 24-year-old notches his 50th game for North in Sunday's clash against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium after featuring in 26 matches for Port Adelaide in 2011-2012.
RELATED: Ben Jacobs' player profile
Jacobs said he was pleased to achieve the mini-milestone after experiencing some uncertainty about where he fitted in at the Roos.
"I had a few years where I was struggling to get a game and find a role in the team, so it's a friendly reminder that I'm pretty happy and lucky to get where I am now to have played 50 with North," Jacobs told NMFC.com.au on Thursday.
"It's very underrated how hard it is to change clubs, especially (given) I came across after two years (at Port) so I was still pretty young and naïve, and was still trying to learn the game.
"I'm just happy to get some continuity in my game now and play a role for the side."
After spending time in the midfield and across half-back, Jacobs has flourished since being assigned his first ever tagging job in round 11 last season on Sydney Swans ball-winner Dan Hannebery.
Jacobs then fulfilled run-with roles on some of the competition's other elite midfielders, negating the likes of Sun Gary Ablett, Bomber Dyson Heppell and Docker Nat Fyfe.
His game has developed even further this year, playing as an inside and outside midfielder in between his usual tagging duties, and even performing stints across half-back.
The 185cm onballer acknowledged the interchange rotations cap of 90 this season had slightly transformed his lock-down role, but said the rule change had allowed him to be more flexible.
"The way the game's evolving has actually helped my strengths," he said.
"Instead of worrying about it, you embrace it and see it as a positive because if the coach wants to throw me to half-back, half-forward, wing (or) mid, I'm able to do that and play a role for the team."
The 75-gamer added he no longer entered a game with a sole focus on matching up on just one player.
"It's not a stock-standard, 'I'm going to play on this bloke for four quarters, let's see if he can find the footy'. I might be on them for patches of 10-15 minutes or I might not see them for a quarter," Jacobs said.
"I've tagged long enough now that I feel like I don't need a massive amount of mental energy going into a game and focusing on who I'm going to tag."
While Jacobs ticks off the mini personal achievement this weekend against the Saints, the clash will also mark Drew Petrie's 300-game milestone.
Jacobs said he admired Petrie's modesty and the way the key forward conducted himself both on and off the field.
"Drewy around the club is one of the most respected people I've ever met," he said.
"How he'll do anything for others is amazing, and I don't know how someone can be that humble and gracious after being such a legend of the club."
