WESTERN Bulldogs captain Easton Wood will play forward in the club's opening round clash with Greater Western Sydney and he isn't concerned about the young defence he's leaving behind.
The All Australian defender was told by coach Luke Beveridge at the start of pre-season he needed to become more flexible in his 11th year at Whitten Oval, so the 28-year-old has been preparing since for a role in attack.
While Wood admitted he was "uncertain" how long the experiment will last, his promising form in the JLT Community Series bodes well for a permanent change of scenery.
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His predecessor, former Dogs skipper Robert Murphy said this week he believed Wood would be of better service to the team in his customary defensive role.
"I'm walking to the forward line (in round one), and it's a great new challenge for me," Wood told reporters at the AFL's Captains Day on Thursday.
"It's permanent at this stage, but I know I can go back at any stage.
"We all know our coach loves guys having the ability to have a few strings to their bow, so he's challenged me to add one to mine.
"10 years in defence has given me the opportunity to have a front seat to some of the best forward play going around, so I'm hoping to emulate some of that.
"I've been working pretty hard on my (goal) celebrations."
It's a gutsy move by Beveridge, with his side's young backline now set to be minus Wood's elite intercept marking and leadership following the retirements of club greats and defensive playmakers Murphy and Matthew Boyd.
With just 69 games to his name, new recruit Hayden Crozier is the most experienced of a likely defensive group featuring Shane Biggs (56 games) Zaine Cordy (30), Marcus Adams (21) and probable debutant Aaron Naughton.
Utilities Matt Suckling and Jason Johannisen, and former Power big man Jackson Trengove have all been playing further up the ground this pre-season, but the veteran trio could be pushed back if needed.
Beveridge's ability to instil confidence in his charges regardless of their standing has Wood at ease his presence won't be missed.
"One of 'Bevo's' strengths is being able to see the capacity in the (young) boys coming through, even if they don't see it in themselves yet," Wood said.
"He's been able to get our individuals to reach new heights that they probably didn't think they could reach.
"I initially thought that about my own defensive play."
Another reason that's allowed Wood's move forward has been the ability of Naughton to hit the ground running as a professional footballer.
Taken with the No.9 pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft, the West Australian's impressive form across the pre-season is set to see him face the Giants just three months after his 18th birthday.
"He's been wonderful to come in and have an impact straight away at such a young age, and in such a tough position as key back," Wood said.
"I'm sure we'll probably be seeing him round one on the big day."
