He’s a sword up forward

In early May, in Benalla’s round 5 match against Echuca, Saints coach James Martiniello made the bold decision to move two of his more experienced players into new roles.

Webster, a half-back was moved forward, while Nick Warnock, a long-time forward slotted into the backline.

And the move has paid dividends for the Saints.

‘‘Ever since then, we’ve both played really good footy,’’ Webster said.

Despite having to adapt to a different role, the 23-year-old wasn’t fazed when Martiniello approached him with the idea.

‘‘You want to play your role for the team — Nick and I have both embraced it, so it was an easy transition,’’ he said.

Since this shift Webster has kicked three bags of five goals, along with a six-goal haul against Rochester.

And Webster admits his form has surprised even himself, after thinking his best footy was at half-back.

‘‘I didn’t think I’d be kicking as many goals,’’ he said.

A new forward role isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility for Webster though — after he played full-forward in his Murray Bushrangers days.

But it’s his form this season that has gained him representative recognition, lining up in the GVL interleague match earlier this season.

‘‘It was good to play with the best in the league at the time,’’ Webster said.

‘‘The relationships you make, I’ll take with me through the rest of my footy career.’’

Webster admits the Saints’ form this season had been a little frustrating at times, with the group failing to garner the consistency it craves.

But he believes, with the Saints fielding a younger group this season, the talent is there for a bright future.

‘‘The young guys have fit in pretty seamlessly,’’ Webster said.

‘‘The average age of our group is about 21 to 22.

‘‘I think playing consistent footy is the key.

‘‘We’ll look to win as many games as we can.

‘‘But there is a good energy in the group.

‘‘We’re just enjoying our footy at the moment.’’