For most of his AFL career, Adam Cooney has forced opposing clubs to be accountable, but with a shift to half-back in 2013 it's Cooney now that must base his game around his man. 

A regular of the Dogs' defensive half this season, Cooney still has license to use his trademark  line-breaking speed and creativity to launch attack from defence, but his new role has come with the mandate that he must defend first.

“I haven’t played a lot of defensive football in my life, pretty much, so it’s been a great challenge and one I’ve really enjoyed trying to get a bit of run off half back,” Cooney said.

“I think we’ve needed that and with JJ [Jason Johannisen] going down a couple of weeks ago, I think I will be playing a little bit more back there as well.”

The 195-gamer has spent the season working closely with back line coach Rohan Smith to develop and hone his defensive craft.

The ex-Bulldog turned assistant coach has been influential in Cooney’s transition and offers constant feedback and wisdom to help the 27-year-old maximise his impact.

“Rohan Smith is the defensive coach so he just wants me to back myself in, defend first which is his mantra,” he said.

“He certainly shows me a few edits where I’ve done the right thing and the done wrong thing, so I’ve been working with him pretty closely to work on that defensive side.”