Banfield burst onto the senior scene as a lively small forward in 2010, finishing third on the Club’s goal-kicking tally in each of the past two seasons with 27 and 24 goals respectively.
The West Australian livewire seemed to pick up where he left off in 2012, with a three-goal haul in the Lions’ season opener against Melbourne at the MCG. However, his numbers dried up significantly over the next six weeks, with Banfield averaging 10 disposals per game and booting a total of just two goals throughout that period.
A hairline fracture in his leg discovered after the Round 7 match against Collingwood compounded what proved to be a pretty tough month for the 22 year-old.
Now, after spending six weeks on the sidelines, Banfield is beginning to regain match fitness and form with the Lions Reserves side.
But rather than simply return to his usual post up forward, he has been thrust into the midfield to develop more of an all-round game.
Reserves Coach Nathan Clarke expects it might take Banfield some time to find his feet in the new role, but believes it will ultimately make him a more versatile option when he’s ready for a senior recall.
“We’ve been playing him in the midfield and on the wing, which are positions that are relatively foreign to him,” Clarke said.
“He’s certainly getting his hands on the footy a bit, but is very much a confidence player. It was always going to be hard for him when he’s trying to find match fitness while playing in a new position.”
“So it’s not unexpected that he hasn’t been an absolute standout in his first few matches back. It would be like playing Browny down at full-back - it takes some time to adjust.”
Banfield isn’t the only player who has learned a new trade with the Reserves so far this season.
Patrick Karnezis has also been spending considerable time in the midfield at NEAFL level, while Ryan Harwood seems to be born again as a defender.
Meanwhile, regular defender James Hawksley has spent more minutes across half-forward, Callum Bartlett has been given run-with roles, Jordan Lisle has learned to pinch-hit in the ruck, and even rookie Brad Harvey was trialled up forward before succumbing to a season-ending ankle injury.
It’s just further evidence that the Club is continually developing its young talent so that they can eventually fulfil a variety of team needs.
