Josh Green’s explosive style of play and ability to impact a contest has made him a popular choice as the Brisbane Lions’ starting substitute in recent seasons.

Green was even dubbed a ‘super-sub’ by some media commentators following last year’s match-winning cameo against West Coast at the Gabba.

But the 20-year-old’s three-goal performance against Melbourne last Saturday night will go a long way to earning him more minutes on the field.

Green has worn the green vest in three of his 11 senior matches so far this season, which is the equal most of any player at the Club along with Sam Docherty.

He was also substituted on three occasions in 2012 – twice as the starting sub.

But the recruit from Clarence in Tasmania doesn’t have an issue with being handed the substitute vest, so long as he can keep contributing to the senior team.

“I’m happy to play any role in the team, but I really want to cement my spot in the team and hold down that small forward (position) and eventually push up into the midfield in the next couple of years,” Green told Dom Fay and Michael Whiting as part of the Round 18 Fancast.

“(Being a ‘super-sub) is not something you really want to have as a tag, but if that means me playing the role for the team, then I’m happy to do that.”

Green has only recently fought his way back into the senior side after spending Rounds 10-14 with the Lions Reserves in the NEAFL.

“I went back (to the Reserves) for about a month. I just had to get that ‘zip’ back again. I just wasn’t chasing and tackling enough,” Green said.

“So I went back and worked on that, and even played in the midfield a bit to get some run.”

Lions 2013 Substitutes