There might still be a long way to go in this very different AFL season, but so far it has been a case of mission accomplished for Robbie Fox.
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The Burnie Dockers premiership player had one major goal heading into 2020, which he put on the record in March before the Swans played in Tasmania in the pre-season, to lock down a spot in the Swans' back six after previously being Sydney's "Mr Fix-It" who played many different roles.
The 27-year-old has made a home for himself on the last line of defence in recent weeks, playing on bigger forwards like Jack Riewoldt, Tom Lynch, Sam Day and Jack Gunston and succeeding.
That performance on Riewoldt and Lynch was so strong, which came after being a late inclusion for Aliir Aliir, it drew votes in the AFL Coaches Champion Player of the Year award.
Fox, who made his way to the AFL via VFL club Coburg, admitted having a defined role was more enjoyable, with his focus simply on ensuring he "competes hard" each week and continues to build the trust of his fellow defenders, including co-captain Dane Rampe, who he has been working with to improve the physicality in his game.
"It gives you a clear goal in a game knowing what you have to do, depending on who you have to play on, and you just have to make sure you have locked them away as well as helping out the others in the back six with other players,'' Fox said.
"It is much easier knowing you are playing the whole game down back rather than thinking you might be thrown anywhere, which can sort of throw you off your game a little bit.
"I'm feeling the best that I have, as apart from the back end of last year I have always pretty much been in and out of the team and I am clear going into games and not worrying about having to get 25 touches or take a good mark or do these other little things, just focusing on a couple of simple things of just competing hard, beating my man and winning one on ones.
"The rest of the stuff, linking up and getting the footy, that just takes care of itself if you can just keep on competing and being clear, that is what is big for me and I am definitely feeling much better going into games and in games."
Fox, who has taken his game tally to 29 in his four years at the top level with five games this season, said it did "help get you up for games" having a specific role.
"Being on edge" by knowing one little mistake could lead to an opposition goal was challenge he was relishing.
"You go in not wanting to let your teammates down. Rather than playing in the back six and not knowing whether to attack or defend, at the moment it is nice to know it is about trying to defend first and when I can help out on offence, it is about using my legs to help take us forward,'' the 185cm, 85 kilogram Fox said.
Fox and Sydney's next assignment will be against St Kilda at the Gabba on Saturday