For the last two or three years whenever the Hastings Valley Vikings have required a replacement, they have a ready-made utility happy to slot in and do a job.
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Kye Alpen has played first grade for most of that time, but after being shifted around into every position in the backline he hopes to have now found a permanent position.
The 23-year-old has played in the centres in 2021 and has impressed in most - if not all - matches.
"It's been good this year; I've been enjoying playing in the centres because it's a bit different," he said.
"But I'm happy to be playing first grade because that's all I've wanted to do for the last few years. I'm hoping I've locked down a centre spot now."
He is one of the more experienced members of the Vikings next generation and has wasted little time passing on some of his knowledge to former under-18 teammates such as Ash Grieve and Blake Goodridge.
Their transition into the top grade has been made easier.
"They have been a bit nervous, but I went through it," Alpen said.
"It is a big step jumping into first grade and it's good to pass onto them that it's (first grade) not as daunting as it seems."
Co-coach Adam McCormack said Alpen's ability to get on with the job was one of his many positive traits and he knew the centre would be a first grader from the moment he first coached him.
"I first coached him in the under-18s and he is a tough, young kid who is uncompromising and you know what you're going to get," McCormack said.
"We knew they'd be first graders and it's great that we have had those juniors coming through."
The Vikings will look to bounce back from last weekend's surprise 41-33 defeat to Kempsey when they host Coffs Harbour at Oxley Oval on Saturday.
Alpen said the key to victory was not being drawn into a style of game that didn't suit them.
"Play smart footy, not be grubby and fall into their style of game because that's what they want us to do," he said.
"It's all about playing footy and playing our game, not theirs."
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