One of Werribee’s stand-out performers on Saturday with 27 disposals, 11 marks and a goal, Greenwood is eager to earn back his spot in the North Melbourne side.
“First game of the season, it was good to start the year off with a good game,” Greenwood told NMFC.com.au.
“It was good for the confidence, especially after getting dropped from the seniors to come back and play well and put a bit of pressure on the boys who are up there.
“Hopefully I can just put my name up there now and get back in.”
While he’s spent most of his career as a midfielder, Greenwood says he fully understands the need to become more adaptable with so much competition for spots at Aegis Park.
“I’ve been trying the new half-forward role but I didn’t really do enough in the NAB Cup to hold a spot with guys like Patch (Leigh Adams) and Lindsay (Thomas) in there.
“I want to become a more versatile player where I can play up forward, in the midfield and even back if I need to. That’s where the game's going these days; less interchanges, a lot faster and you need to have players who are more versatile.”
The 24-year old admits that’s easier said than done, but he’ll be doing his all to put himself back into contention.
“It’s going to be tough to get a spot right now unless I really start playing well. I didn’t really have a good NAB Cup campaign, but if I can knuckle down in this role and play as well as I can for Werribee then I’m ready for whenever I get the call-up.”
Greenwood earnt a reputation as a tagger following his debut in 2009, but believes the game has seen a move away from dedicated stoppers.
“It’s more just head to heads and beat them the other way,” he added.
“Last time I did it (tagged) I played on Gary Ablett and he smashed me, and I got dropped after that. When you do play it well you enjoy it and if that was my way back into the team then I’d love to do it, but I don’t think there’s a position for that hard tag role at the moment.”
North Melbourne’s loss to Collingwood could provide opportunities for those pushing up in the VFL, but whether or not he’s picked, Greenwood’s focus is simple.
“Brad spoke to us yesterday and said how impressive we (North’s VFL representatives) were and how well we moved the ball. He does notice it and hopefully we’re not too far away and we’re going in the right direction.
“Whether it’s me who comes in and gets a spot I’m not sure but as long as I’m playing well that’s all I can do. When I get my chance I just want to take it and not give it up again.”
