Timing can be everything in footy, and Sydney midfielder Dan Robinson is hoping he gets some good luck to go with his good timing this season.
Robinson was taken by the Swans with pick 50 at the 2012 NAB AFL rookie draft but has managed just 14 games since, thanks to a host of serious shoulder injuries.
The prolific midfielder cemented himself in the senior side early last year, but needed a shoulder reconstruction when he went down against Essendon at the SCG in round seven, and wasn't seen at AFL level again.
The 23-year-old then suffered a broken collarbone in this year's season opener against Port Adelaide, but has played the past two games after being a late replacement for captain Josh Kennedy against Gold Coast in round 16, and has been impressive playing as a defensive half-forward.
Robinson shut down Suns speedster Jarrod Harbrow in his return match, was effective again in last week's win over Greater Western Sydney, and believes it's a role he can make his own for the rest of the regular season and into the finals.
"It gives you a goal that you can go out there and be totally focused on," he said.
"When you've got a specific player that you're going after, you set yourself for that contest. It's different, but it's always enjoyable.
"I'll always put my hand up to do it, whatever 'Horse' (John Longmire) says I'll do.
"Whatever keeps me in the team, I'm happy to do it.
"I put myself in a good position when I came back to make sure I was in the (selection) frame, and to have 'Joey' (Josh Kennedy) go out was fortunate for myself, so I've just got to focus on holding my position."
With Kennedy back in the side and fellow star onballers Luke Parker, Dan Hannebery and Isaac Heeney also in outstanding touch, the Swans should have a distinct advantage around stoppages against St Kilda at the SCG on Saturday night.
Sydney is ranked fourth for contested possessions compared to the Saints (13th), while the home side is ranked sixth in stoppages compared to St Kilda's 16th.
Robinson said the Swans' strength is winning the footy in close, but he has enormous respect for St Kilda's fleet of speedy midfielders.
"It only takes a split second and those quick outside players are gone, and can really damage the game," he said.
"It's really our whole four-quarter effort that takes them out of the game rather than our contested footy.
"Winning the contested ball obviously goes a long way towards us controlling the game, but if we're not putting the four quarters (of effort) in they can pop up for 20 minutes and kick four goals.
"We've got to make sure we're switched on for the whole game."
