“Third man up” is no more in football – but Mark Blicavs isn’t exactly in mourning. 

The AFL notified clubs in December last year of its controversial rule change that will see only nominated ruckmen able to compete at a contest for a throw-in or ball-up for the 2017 season.

Blicavs has been the face of the tactic since his debut in 2013 and while he’ll now need to modify his game, he’s choosing to turn a negative into a positive.

“I thought they’d possibly trial it in the pre-season series before bringing it into the season,” Blicavs told Krockfootball.com.au.

“When they did I got on with it pretty quickly and was like; “That’s fine. Where’s my next role? What am I going to improve on?” 

“It forces me to adapt and change my game style, which will help me improve anyway, I think.”

The 25-year-old is a unique prototype in the AFL, standing at 198cm yet able to outrun and outlast the game’s best midfielders over four quarters.

As a result, Blicavs is expecting a bit of everything for his role this season.

“Genuine ruck, midfield, wing, maybe a bit down in defence, too,” he said.

“I’d love to get a bit more of the ball and that would help my game. The transition part of it is still a big focus, in terms of helping in defence and in attack as well.”

“I’d say it’ll be a similar role to last year, but no going third up.”

Crowned Carji Greeves medallist for 2015 as the Cats’ best and fairest, Blicavs admits his follow up season was not his best.

But with the JLT Community Series just weeks away, the focus is finding consistency for the year ahead.

“I think I can help the coaches with where I play best if I’m playing my best,” he said.

“I was quite up-and-down last year with my consistency around the ground.

“If I can get my game at a consistent level, that’ll help the coaches establish where they should play me a little bit better.”