Sam Conforti’s ability to adapt is once again coming to the forefront for Essendon.

The Bendigo product has been a standout since he first joined the club in 2021, finishing second in the best-and-fairest last season and continuing his healthy form this year across different positions.

After missing the entire 2020 season through the COVID-19 lockdowns in Victoria, the opportunity to join the Bombers provided Conforti a chance to test himself against more senior bodies at VFL level.

Conforti told Essendon FC that the sudden jump from his prior NAB League experience was a learning curve that held his game in good stead.

“For me, (post-lockdown) was just about staying ready for an opportunity, and to step into that level was a bit of a reality check,” Conforti said.

“You have to be pretty tough, and that was a good wake-up call. I’m not as big as other guys (at 173cm), but it taught me to find other ways to compete and use my size to my advantage.”

Still just 21 years of age, Conforti has found himself as a more experienced head in a young Dons squad that has experienced significant change across his three seasons to date.

Being a leader with the younger players has been key for Conforti this season, as the group continues to gel with a new-look lineup.

“We’ve still got a good core from when I first arrived, so I just try to bounce things off them and share my knowledge from my time here to the newer guys coming in,” Conforti said.

“There’s certainly been some changeover. A lot of us are (still) young kids, so I have to try and drive those standards that people before me have set.”

The young crop, particularly those in their first year with the club, have made a clear impression on Conforti, who remains excited by their potential for progression.

Conforti highlighted the efforts of Jack Brown and Harry Minton-Connell, who he believes have set themselves up to develop nicely into the back end of the season.

“I didn’t know a lot about (Brown and Minton-Connell) coming in, but they’ve come in from day one with their heads down, being tough, competitive and showing the willingness to get better,” Conforti said.

“They’re the sort of guys you love to run out with, because you know exactly what you’re going to get from them every week.”

Conforti himself has proven to be a versatile option for the side, even more so this season as his role has continued to evolve to team needs.

After venturing forward early in the campaign, recent weeks have seen Conforti transition back into a more familiar spot on the wing, with his sights set on lending a hand to the back six over the coming weeks.

“I’m starting to understand a new role down back, trying to develop my craft back there and bring what I can to a back six that is still a relatively young group as well,” Conforti said.

“Hopefully I can share my knowledge with those boys and look to nail that new spot.”