James Kelly knows the importance of adapting in AFL football. Adaptation has allowed for improvement and in turn, for success.

“Motivation is always the key and always trying to improve,” Kelly told 3AW on Thursday night.

“We learnt that the hard way in 2008 when we lost the grand final, we hadn’t really changed the way we played from 2007.

“It has sort of steeled most of the senior players that we always have to improve, we always have to get better, adapt and do things differently.”

Kelly has learnt to do things differently, particularly this year in his move to the back six.

“At the start of the year Scotty said I’d be 50/50 midfield/back but it’s turned out to be 95/5 at the minute,” Kelly said.

“But having said that, it’s fine, I actually really enjoy the challenge of playing down back, it’s given me another whole perspective on the game.”

Despite having spent time in the backline before, Kelly’s role has been solely that for the first six rounds of the season.

It has seen him shut down Hawthorn livewire Cyril Rioli in round 5 where he kept the dangerous forward to just seven touches, three marks and one goal.

Whether he remains there or floats back into the midfield, Kelly has relished in the opportunity to vary his role.

“It’s forced me to learn a bit more about the game and learn a bit more about what goes on with other positions on the ground so it’s been really enjoyable.”