Patfull had all manner of tasks for the Lions last season, from Lance Franklin to Robert Murphy to Nick Reiwoldt.
He was invariably outsized but rarely had his colours lowered.
But the diligent 24-year-old knows there's plenty of room for improvement, particularly when it comes to winning the ball himself.
"My biggest thing is my offensive game. Defence is often your first line of attack so I have to run off my opponent when I get the opportunity and get some more kicks," he said.
"I've been brought up that the first thought is to defend, but you have to be able to switch that mentality and run off."
Patfull, along with assistant coach Justin Leppitsch, said the ideal model would involve the defender taking the opposition's third target rather than their second.
Lachlan Henderson has been trialled in the key defensive posts and has done a good job in the pre-season, potentially adding depth to a back six that shone last season.
Merrett, Patfull and Joel Macdonald all blossomed, and the collective unit became one of the Lions' big strengths.
Patfull was coy when it came to rating his own work last season, simply saying it was more consistent.
"I had some reasonably good games and my bad ones were still average," he said.
"I had some tough tasks but it gave me a good opportunity to learn. Most centre half-forwards are mobile these days and run a lot which suits me."
Patfull will line up for his third pre-season match against Richmond at Gold Coast Stadium tonight and said it was vital the Lions performed after losses to Essendon and Melbourne.
"The boys are disappointed with how we played at the weekend. We've just got to get a few structures sorted out. It's our last opportunity before the season starts.
"It should be a good test we're all looking forward to."
