Essendon big-man Tayte Pears enjoyed a shift to defence in the VFL on the weekend, playing a valuable role in the Bombers’ 22-point win over North Ballarat. 

The 25-year-old has booted 12 goals in 9 matches this season, holding down a key forward post for the VFL Dons as he attempts to add another string to his bow. 

“He’s been playing forward, and we know he can play back, so it was more of a thing that he wanted to try again,” VFL Coach Hayden Skipworth said.

“He (Pears) spoke to Hirdy throughout the week and they were both really keen for him to go back and he showed what he can do down there again.”

Pears played five games in his debut season of 2008 after being selected by the Bombers with pick number 23 in the 2007 National Draft. 

The defender progressed quickly in his second season to play every game in, including the 2009 elimination final against Adelaide.

However a series of unfortunate injury setbacks has seen Pears manage just 40 games since 2010 with his last match coming in round 23, 2013.

The return to defence could be the spark that can reignite the 68-gamer’s career.

“I thought he controlled the backline really well, set up the younger players around him, and looked really good for most of the game,” Skipworth said.