That wasn't the case for Max Warren, who at 181 centimetres was forced to play as a key defender for North Ballarat against Coburg in the absence of the Delaney brothers.
Returning from a broken collarbone, he passed the test with flying colours despite the Roosters' 16-point loss.
Warren kept 197 centimetre forward Todd Elton goalless in the first half, before moving to 202 centimetre Liam McBean after the long break.
Richmond-listed McBean had dominated in the first half, but was kept to just three disposals thereafter.
“His (Warren's) positioning and his awareness were very good,” North development coach Drummond told NMFC.com.au.
“McBean had 12 touches in the first half for his four goals so Max was really good on him in the second half.
“He’ll be a lot better for the run. He’s been able to do a lot of running in his time out so he ran the game out well.”
Mitch Wilkins was quiet offensively, but it was his defensive efforts (five tackles, five spoils) that were most pleasing.
“Wilko competed very well, which makes it three weeks in a row now. He’s been a bit hot and cold with it so it’s good to see consistent football in that area.
“He’s taken some real steps forward in those three weeks with his consistency in the contest and his intensity. He’s got another three or four weeks to finish the year well and get some real momentum going.”
According to Drummond, Taylor Garner (13 possessions) is on the verge of breaking a game open, although he had a tough afternoon against the Tigers.
"He’s been one of our ‘almost’ players over the last month," he added.
"There were three or four marks that weren’t paid that easily could have, three or four efforts that could have brought holding the ball decisions but he didn’t get them. Again he tackled really well but a few things just didn’t quite fall his way. He’s showing some good signs and it’ll come for him.”
Cam Richardson was a solid performer with three goals, but Liam Anthony (19 disposals) was uncharacteristically quiet.
“He had a really good third quarter but for the most part he was quieter and didn’t give the run and spread we’re used to seeing. It’s rare to see him get less than his 25-30 disposals.”
Anthony's output could be explained by the state of the ground and the conditions. With the ground turned into a bog, it also neutralised Ben Mabon’s (8 possessions) effectiveness in the ruck. Coming up against Tom Derickx, the emerging ruckman was unable to replicate his superb performance from last week.
Coburg 2.2.14, 5.5.35, 9.8.62, 15.11.101
North Ballarat 1.1.7, 6.6.42, 10.7.67, 13.7.85
Goals
Coburg: McBean 6, Edwards 3, Maric 2, Clifton, Brandt, McDonough, Elton
North Ballarat: Richardson 3, Searl 3, Clifton, Curnow, George, Driscoll, Rippon, Linke, Keeble
Best
Coburg: Lonergan, Nahas, McBean, Uysal, Derickx, Venditti
North Ballarat: Clifton, Sewell, Hoy, Searl, George, Tate
Meanwhile, Eric Wallace and Kieran Harper both played for North Ballarat’s reserves. The latter faced a unique situation in that his regular alignment with Werribee was worked around to provide some valuable game-time.
“His (Harper's) best quarters were his first and his last. He collected 25 disposals and 12 tackles so he got involved," Drummond said.
“It was a good step forward for him because his continuity had been out through missing a bit of footy. We weren’t keen for him to have another week off."
Wallace continued his education in the centre and in attack, but with a slightly different structure than most weeks.
“He played the first half as a key-forward and then the second as a ruckman. He’s been thrown around a fair bit this year as he learns the game so just for his own development we gave him a half in a set role.
“When he was forward he took a few contested marks which were impressive. In the ruck he was terrific in the last quarter and gave the midfielders first use. It was a big reason they (the Roosters) ran over the top."
