BRISBANE Lions dynamo Josh Green has finally realised the value of his role and just how good he is at it.
Green will play his 50th career game against Melbourne on Sunday, and is fast establishing himself as one of the best small forwards in the competition.
Green has kicked 25 goals from 15 games this season to lead the Lions' goalkicking list.
He sits behind only Luke Breust (45), Hayden Ballantyne (38), Eddie Betts (36), Lindsay Thomas (34), Jamie Elliott (31) and Robbie Gray (26) as recognised small forwards on that list.
It's not bad for someone playing for a team with just five wins and who get the ball inside 50 the third least amount of times (44 per game) of any team in the competition.
But it's been a work in progress, and the 176cm Tasmanian says it's something that's only come together recently.
He is full of admiration for coach Justin Leppitsch and says a combination of embracing his role and gaining confidence has led to his best season yet.
"That's why Leppa's been really good for me, giving the confidence that I'm good enough at the level, and he trusts me," Green said.
"I owe him a fair bit. He's backed me in each week and understands that I'm still developing like most of our young team. He's been great for me."
And just as important has been Green's acceptance of the significance of his role.
Most small forwards crave more midfield time, but with his clean hands and accurate finishing off either foot (25.11 this season), Green is of most value to the Lions in the forward 50.
"I think it's starting to be cherished a bit more, it's starting to get value," he said of the position.
"I'm enjoying my forward role and I love kicking a goal. You see around the AFL the small forwards start to get valued a bit more, which is good.
"We're not high possession getters so when we get a chance to have a shot or use it inside 50 we've got to be precise and be able to do it under pressure.
"We do a lot of work during the week with (forwards coach Simon Black) Blacky and the other mozzies, so it's all about replicating under pressure."
The 'mozzies' he refers to are small forward running mates Dayne Zorko and Lewis Taylor, who have quickly become a barometer of Lions' success.
"I think we bring high energy to the team. If we can pressure up, create a bit of energy and kick a few goals, I think it's valuable to the team," Green said.
"It's a pretty proud moment to play 50 games for this great club."
