Whether it be a tactical integration taking shape over a number of years, a last-ditch effort to revive a player's career, or a short-term fix that turns into something more, AFL clubs are no strangers to the growing practice of a positional shake-up.
With the likes of Isaac Heeney, Rory Lobb, Nick Blakey, Kyle Langford and Ben Keays all transitioning successfully into new roles over recent years, we thought we'd delve into the biggest positional switches heading into the 2025 season.
9. James Sicily
Defender to Forward
Although only featuring in the All-Australian defence as recently as 2023, the Hawthorn captain appears likely to make the transition forward for 2025.
Sicily will not make the transition alone however, as fellow defender Blake Hardwick looks set to make his visits to the forward line a more permanent fixture in the new campaign.
With the recent acquisitions of Tom Barrass and Josh Battle, most of the Hawks' prior defensive concerns are expected to be alleviated, which over the pre-season has allowed head coach Sam Mitchell the freedom to move magnets and strengthen areas elsewhere. With this in mind, despite Hawthorn possessing an attacking flair that yields high scoring, the majority of these goals come from their exciting crop of smalls.
In 2024, the taller forward stocks of Chol, Dear and Gunston were serviceable contributors but went missing when needed most, combining for 14 disposals and two goals in the narrow semi-final defeat to Port Adelaide.
It is unquestionable as to whether Sicily can be a difference-maker in this department, especially considering the 30-year-old was only centimetres away from hero status in the heartbreaking loss at Adelaide Oval.
The Hawks skipper is no stranger to showing his wares up forward either, with a 21-year-old Sicily impressing with a productive 30-goal season back in 2016.
Hardwick has also impressed in his short time forward, producing game-breaking four and five-goal performances last year against Port Adelaide and Collingwood respectively. With two of the Hawks' high-profile assets making the switch, the impact could potentially prove profound come September.
