THERE were times earlier this year when Sam Wright doubted whether there was still a position for him in North Melbourne's team.
The versatile Roo had not lost faith in his ability, but was not sure where he could cement a spot for himself in North's team.
In a sense, Wright had become a victim of his own versatility.
In his previous five seasons with the Roos, Wright had been regularly switched between attack and defence, and in recent years has even been used as a defensive forward on star defenders such as Grant Birchall and Brendon Goddard.
His most consistent season came in 2012 when he played predominantly across half-back, recording his only top-10 finish in North's best and fairest award.
Those days seemed light years away when Wright was relegated to the VFL for an extended stretch earlier this year.
Dropped after North's disappointing round one loss to Essendon, when he played as a defensive forward on Dustin Fletcher, Wright went back to the Roos' VFL affiliate Werribee and set about earning a recall.
Despite solid form with Werribee, Wright went seven long weeks without a recall.
Asked whether he started to wonder where he was at during this time, Wright was candid.
"In terms of positions in the side and which was the best one for me, definitely," he told AFL.com.au.
"I guess I never doubted myself.
"I just wanted to prove to the coaching staff that I could get back to cement a position, like I did a few years ago across that half-back line, and really become a valued member of the team."
The turning point for Wright came when he sat down for a chat with North coach Brad Scott.
"I've played forward, back, forward, back throughout my whole career and we sat down not long ago and decided that for me (it was best) if I went down back and tried to cement a spot down there," Wright said.
"I just had to concentrate on the things I've been working on in my game back there over the last few years, such as defending first and knowing the right times to be opponent conscious and when to come off your man.
"In the past, I have struggled with it when you move from one end of the ground to the other.
"Although it can be a good thing if you're having a quiet day in certain positions, it does get confusing."
Wright finally earned a recall in round nine against the Brisbane Lions, when he impressed with 20 possessions and one goal.
But he was dropped a round later after a poor performance against Geelong.
He rebounded well in the VFL the following week and earned an immediate recall to the Roos team for the round 12 clash against Richmond.
But Wright was dropped again the very next round.
All of this was foreign territory to Wright.
Since establishing himself as a senior player in his second season with the Roos, in 2010, injury had been the only thing that had kept Wright out of the side until he was dropped after North's round 13 loss to Fremantle last year.
Being dropped three times this year has left Wright in no doubt that at North it's a case of perform or perish.
The depth of talent now on the Roos' list ensures this.
Veteran defenders Michael Firrito and Scott McMahon can also attest to the growing competition for senior spots at Arden Street, having themselves been relegated to the VFL late last year and early this season.
Seeing Firrito earn a recall in round four this year and then produce one of the best seasons in his 12-year career inspired Wright.
"I think the way I had to look at it was that I needed to force my way in rather than wait for opportunities to open up and that's been my focus the whole year," Wright said.
"It's just the way it is now. You've got to fight for your spot in the football club."
Wright forced his way back into North's team in round 15 against Hawthorn and has since had two outstanding games.
The former Murray Bushranger kept star Hawks forward Luke Breust to one goal in the Roos' 20-point win, while racking up 22 disposals himself and an equal team-high five rebound 50s.
Last Saturday, Wright was even more impressive against St Kilda, finishing with 30 disposals, a game-high 10 marks and four rebound 50s as he kept Saints youngster Jack Billings goalless.
Wright, who turned 24 on Tuesday, said his past fortnight has been pleasing, but has also set a standard he has to match for the rest of the season.
"I think the next few weeks are important not just for my year, but to set up my future across the half-back line," Wright said.
"If I can do it for the next few weeks and come finals, it will set me up for a good few years ahead."
