LEROY Jetta can only remember playing in the backline once or twice before.

"It was in the VFL a couple of years ago, when Shannon Grant was coaching. That's about it," he says.

But when the Essendon 23-year-old was told this pre-season that he might be set for an extended stay in defence in 2012, he was excited.

Despite a career-best season in 2011 as a half-forward and midfielder - he played every match and kicked 27 goals - Jetta thought the coaching panel's idea suited his game.

But he still had questions. How could he put to use his energy, sharp skills and creativity at the other end of the ground?

To prepare for the possible change, he returned to his Airport West home, turned on his computer, and started the education process.

The first players he thought of were former Magpie Leon Davis and Carlton's Chris Yarran, who both turned themselves into damaging half-backs last year. Jetta wanted to see for himself how they did it.

"I definitely got on YouTube and watched a few of the boys' highlights, and I also watched a bit of Andrew McLeod," Jetta told AFL.com.au. "He's someone I idolised growing up.

"I went to school with Chris Yarran back in Perth so I know him and if I do get into a bit of trouble I can give him a call and hopefully get some tips off him, if he gives them to me."

Jetta has spent most of his summer working on different areas of his game to expand his skill set.

His endurance has improved, and so has his burst speed - something already regarded as one of Jetta's strengths. He's done drills over five- and 10-metre intervals, helping him break away from an opponent or a stoppage with even more explosiveness.

Those improved traits were evident in the first round of the NAB Cup at Patersons Stadium, when Jetta was Essendon's best player in the back half.
He was cool in possession, and provided run out of defence that was otherwise lacking. He feels a more versatile player.

"I really enjoyed playing there in the NAB Cup and hopefully I get to play there again soon," he said.

"I think if I can't get a kick up forward then they can try me out in the backline, and I can play a bit like Courtenay Dempsey and try to run off and use my skills."

The possibility of a new position marks the next phase in Jetta's career. After enduring a frustrating year in 2010 - he was injured, and played only 11 senior games - Jetta toyed with the idea of quitting football and returning home to Western Australia.

He was out of contract, the club was between coaches, and he wasn't sure if he was wanted, or what he wanted. His partner Kaisha, who had just had twin boys Levi and Jhye (now two years old), was also missing home and the support network their family provided.

But after last year's success, Jetta - and his family - is a lot more content. Levi and Jhye go to daycare twice a week, Kaisha is happy, and Leroy is coping well with football's requirements.

"It's definitely taken me a few years," he says.

"My first couple of years I struggled with the demands of training week-in, week-out, but now I feel really comfortable with the training and it's going pretty well.

"It was hard for me in 2010 because I only played a handful of games and I was thinking about quitting, but then 'Hirdy' (coach James Hird) came along and sat down with me a few times and said 'We really want you to stay, you're a big part of the team'."

It's where he hopes to stay for the rest of his career, too. Jetta's two-year deal expires at the end of this season, and he wants to remain a Bomber.

"I'd definitely like to stay at Essendon," Jetta said.

"I've been here six years and I'd love to play the rest of my career here. Hopefully I can have a good year and sign up again at the end of the year."

Follow Callum Twomey on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.

Leroy Jetta is a $339,100 forward in Toyota AFL Dream Team. Register your team here.