This Brisbane player went into the pre-season not knowing where he stood.
He had signed a one-year contract, was on the 'B-Team' during match simulations, and was battling much younger players to earn a senior spot.
But after just seven rounds, Mitch Robinson has made himself one of the Lions' most indispensable players in 2019.
While gun recruit Lachie Neale has rightly gained most of the plaudits for his role in the Lions' 5-2 start, Robinson's prints are all over most of Brisbane's wins.
He locked down a rampant Aaron Hall in the second half of a comeback victory over North Melbourne
Six days later he went on the ball late in the fourth quarter to spark another comeback victory over Port Adelaide.
And against Gold Coast two weeks ago, Robinson kicked three goals to go with 26 disposals on his way to winning the Marcus Ashcroft Medal.
It's a great start for a man that didn't know where he belonged just four months ago.
"I was put in the 'B-Team' for a while, and I wasn't angry, but questioning what my role was going to be," Robinson told AFL.com.au.
"I understood we were trying to get chemistry and give new players a shot at getting integrated, but it was hard to get my head around.
"You get a one-year deal and you wonder if you're good enough, that went through my head for sure.
"I see myself as a senior player, and there's nothing wrong with playing reserves, but that's not what I'm here for."
Robinson, who turns 30 in June, said a chat from coach Chris Fagan at the club's pre-season training camp in Hobart in January changed everything.
With Neale, Jarryd Lyons and Lincoln McCarthy taking up three spots from the previous year's team, Fagan suggested Robinson move from his midfield/half-forward role to a wing.
"I took that role on because we had Hugh (McCluggage) on one wing and three or four blokes vying for the other spot," he said.
"I'm a natural ball hunter and love to hit bodies, so I had to learn when to go (to the contest) and when to stay.
"I really enjoyed the challenge."
Fagan said the "competitor" in Robinson was just what Brisbane needed, and far outweighed the odd free kick he gave away.
"He brings his best effort every time he plays," Fagan said.
"Sometimes he gets a little bit angry and does things that can frustrate coaches, but he does a lot more good than harm.
"By and large, 99.5 percent of the time, you've got to be happy having a guy like Mitch Robinson in your team.
"At training, him and Dayne Zorko, they're the energiser guys, they're always up and about.
"It brings good spirit to your footy club and they're gold, those sorts of guys."
In recent weeks Robinson has moved from the wing back into the midfield as cover for the injured Rhys Mathieson.
"To have another role up my sleeve keeps me in the team."
Whether it's tagging, keeping his width, winning the ball or kicking goals, Robinson is making sure he won't be dropped to the 'B-Team' any time soon.
