A positional switch has held good results for Tex Wanganeen in the second half of 2024.

Entering the year fresh off a lengthy recovery period from foot surgery, the 20-year-old had been finding his feet in a familiar small forward role throughout the opening rounds of the VFL season, but has found a new element of freedom in moving to half back.

Wanganeen’s adapting nicely to the role and is generating important dash and distribution from defence in a rejuvenated run of form for the VFL Dons, who’ve taken four wins from their last five games.

In his first stint playing behind the ball since his junior days, Wanganeen’s still absorbing as much as he can from his teammates in the back six.

“I love playing in defence, it’s a new change and I’m taking it in full stride,” Wanganeen said.

“I’ve been able to just ask other defenders around the club and I’ve been a sponge really, just trying to adapt to the new role and trying not to break structure.”

Since the move in round 10, Wanganeen’s averaging 17 disposals per game over that stretch and has reached career-high possession tallies (22) twice, impressing in the interstate clash with Gold Coast and last week’s win over the Bullants.

Providing welcome assistance to Nick Hind and recent AFL debutant Archie Roberts in their stints with the VFL defence, Wanganeen’s still shown an uncanny ability to get forward in his new role, booting a decisive checkside goal in the five-point win over Sandringham a fortnight ago.

With the Bombers’ VFL contingent in their best form of the season to date, Wanganeen credits the growing culture between the club’s programs as a key factor in the turn of on-field fortunes.

“Since the start of the year, the connection between each other (has improved),” Wanganeen said.

“There’s no real AFL or VFL program, it feels like we’re just one team and the last few weeks have shown (that) on the back of that, we’ve got a great bond with each other and we’re a connected team.”