In-form Black determined to put his AFL claims forward

AARON Black believes there is still a role for him to play in Geelong’s forward line in the run towards September.

The former North Melbourne forward slotted three goals in the VFL on Saturday for the second straight week as he presses for a recall.

While the AFL returns of Nakia Cockatoo and Brandan Parfitt, as well as the emergence of Wylie Buzza, hasn’t helped his cause, Black said the Cats were yet to settle on their preferred forward six.

“I’ve had positive chats with ‘Lloydy’ (director of coaching Simon Lloyd) and (coach Chris) Scott the last couple of weeks — they’ve been chopping and changing a bit and trying to get that right mix, so hopefully I keep just trying to put my best foot forward and play my role in the VFL,” Black said.

Black, who has kicked five goals in his four AFL matches this year, doesn’t see goals as being his measuring stick, however. “A lot of it is tackling pressure and then if the goals come, they come, so hopefully I can just keep building on these last couple of weeks and get in there before finals and hopefully play a crucial role,” he said.

“I’ve been really working on my tackles and tackling pressure inside 50 so I think I’ve improved on that the last couple of weeks.”

His role as a tall forward in the VFL side continues to change. Last week, against Sandringham, the Cats played higher up the ground, with slingshot rebounds allowing Black to get out the back and score.

On Saturday, he played more as a traditional fullforward, while spending some time as a target across half forward.

“Last week we set up as a forward group really high, because we knew we had a lot of leg speed in our forward half,” he said.

“It was basically get the ball, break the line and then kick it and let our forwards run on to it. I happened to be the deepest so I got a couple but that was our game plan and that’s how we wanted to play.

“I’m playing a little bit deeper the last couple of weeks, getting my hands on the footy a bit closer to goal. I’m not getting as much of the ball, but trying to get it more inside-50.

“I guess I’m pretty flexible whether I play up high or can play a bit deeper, so I played a few different roles today. It’s always good to kick a couple so hopefully I can just build on that.”

With another year on his contract, the 26-year-old said he had peace of mind going into the final month of the VFL season.

“It was a good thing coming over from North Melbourne, getting two years at a new club because sometimes it takes a while to adapt,” he said.

“But I feel like I’ve adapted pretty well and the group has been really welcoming, so I’ve really enjoyed my time down here.”