Courtenay Dempsey has spent most of his ten year AFL career providing run from the Essendon half back line. 

But after 115 games, Dempsey is enjoying a change of scenery.

The Queensland native played a starring role in the VFL side’s win on the weekend spending the match in the forward half and booting four goals.

“We’ve spoken to 'Demps' about trialing some new things,” Essendon Assistant Matthew Egan told RSN.

“We want to keep giving him opportunities to play his best footy and at the moment we think it’s forward.”

Dempsey arrived at the Bombers with the 19^th pick in the 2005 National Draft. 

The selection was acquired after Essendon traded Ted Richards to Sydney.

Injuries early in Dempsey’s career stalled his development but he became a regular in 2009 and played 40 games across the next two seasons. 

One of his best performances came in a narrow loss to Adelaide in 2012 when he gathered 27 possessions and kicked a goal.

Throughout his career, Dempsey’s pace has provided plenty of excitement, but it’s his defensive skills the club hopes will serve him well in this new role.

“His strength at the moment is his pressure at the ball,” Egan said.

“He’s a great tackler, he’s come from a rugby background. 

“As a forward, sometimes just applying great pressure is a good role.”