Ben Jacobs says a familiar role at VFL level has helped him regain his touch and find some form.

After playing the first two games for North Melbourne in more of an outside position, Jacobs was dropped from the side and went back to North Ballarat to play on the inside.

"It was obviously disappointing getting dropped but the last couple of weeks have been a good step forward for me playing as an inside midfielder," Jacobs told NMFC.com.au.

"It's my favourite position and where I play naturally so I've loved playing inside there and enjoyed it a lot."

41 possessions (23 contested) in Jacobs' most recent game for the Roosters more than backs up his claim.

"It naturally suits my qualities as a player," Jacobs added.

"My favourite players in the league are all inside mids and that's the type of player I've grown up watching.

"Over the last three years I haven't been able to play there but the good thing is that it's given me an outside game on half-back and the wing.

"Now I can hopefully play my natural game on the inside and also get outside as well with what I've learned."

Relishing the challenge of taking on something new, Jacobs described the difference between playing outside compared to inside.

"On the wing it's more about your running patterns and making sure you're hitting the contest at the right time.

"You don't have as many opportunities (to get possession) playing outside so it's all about timing."

Understanding new structures and roles on the fly can be challenging for any new player at a club.

In development coach Josh Drummond, Jacobs has a valuable sounding board for advice.

"I've actually opened up a fair bit to Drummo. I've told him what I'm thinking and he's been great in helping me out with my footy.

"I feel I'm progressing pretty quickly under his supervision. He's just recently out of the game as well with a lot to give. He's great to be around and I can talk to him as a mate as well as a coach."

Drummond's own career was ravaged by injuries, managing just 94 games in eight seasons.

With Jacobs suffering through his own assortment of injuries in his time at Port Adelaide, it gives the two another point in common.

"He's definitely got a good level head on him. It wasn't like he got into the AFL and it was all bells and whistles, he had to go through a bit as well.

"He understands my perspective and being a left-footer like myself, he has a few extra tips. We left-footers tend to play a bit differently so he's got some good tips on rebounding.

After spending his first summer at Aegis Park getting to know a new group of players, Jacobs had to repeat the process with the Roosters.

While it may seem extremely difficult, the culture of North Ballarat made the task much easier than it could have been.

"It's hard enough going to a new AFL club and then going again and making friends at North Ballarat.

"But Coach Fitzy and the boys have such a great relationship with North Melbourne it's a pretty easy transition. They're all so friendly and straight up to you.

"As Fitzy says, their goal is to make you play AFL football so they're warm and welcoming."