UPON reflection, perhaps Lynden Dunn was destined to become a defender after all.

Dunn might’ve joined Melbourne as a tall attacking option – he was claimed at No. 15 in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft – but for much of his career, his roles have had a negating slant, as either a defensive forward or run-with midfielder.

Still, those defensive traits held him in good stead, particularly when coach Mark Neeld suggested he become a backman during 2012.    

“I had a chat with Neeldy (Mark Neeld), halfway through [last] season and he said ‘we’re thinking about playing you down back this week’,” Dunn told melbournefc.com.au.

“I said ‘it’s fine’. The coaches put it out there … and it just snowballed from there.

“So here we are now, I’m a defender.”

And it’s been a move that’s produced strong results.

Not only did Dunn play 13 of the final 14 rounds – he missed round 16 against Fremantle at Etihad Stadium due to suspension – he also became a mainstay of the backline.  

His rebound, ability to set-up attacking chains and metres gained from defence became important components of his game. And he was rewarded for his strong second half of the season performance with 10^th place in the club’s best and fairest. It was the first time Dunn finished in the top 10 at Melbourne. 

This was on the back of a frustrating start to the season, when he played five of Melbourne’s opening eight matches and was an emergency three times. He was also in the final year of his contract.

“It’s never nice coming out of contract, whether you’re playing well … or not … or you’re injured. It’s always an uncertain time,” Dunn said. 

“There was a little bit of frustration there, as I’d been a substitute a couple of times and I wasn’t playing the way I wanted to play, or the way I knew I could play. To go down back, have a really good second half of the year and finish strongly was pleasing.

“It didn’t come as a surprise – I know that I’m good enough to play and I never doubted myself. It was nice going down back and now [I want to] cement a spot in the team.”

Now settled down back, Dunn said he felt rejuvenated in his new role, particularly as he was able to train over summer in his new division. 

“It was good to have a whole pre-season in the backline and [work] with the backline coaches, Jade [Rawlings] and Andrew [Nichol],” he said.

“It was good to get the full pre-season working on my defensive skills ... I’m really enjoying my time down back and it suits my natural playing style. I love it down there and I’m looking forward to the year.

“I’m one of the older boys now and my voice and my leadership on the ground – I pride myself on. I try and drag a few blokes with me and get the boys going a bit, so I think it’s all working.”

Last Friday at Etihad Stadium, Dunn played in both matches against North Melbourne and Richmond respectively. He again started positively, with his ability to drive the Dees forward out of defence noticeable. 

“It was good to get through our first hit out,” he said.

“We did some things that we’ve worked on over the pre-season, and implemented those. The boys had the fumbles a little bit [but it was] round one of the NAB Cup. We were still adjusting to the high intensity of the game.

“It was good to get through and there were signs there that we’ve improved and we’re looking forward to the rest of this season.”

Although he could now be considered a genuine utility in the game, Dunn said he’s unlikely to revert to the forward line or midfield any time soon. 

“I’ll be down defence all year,” he said adamantly.