MAX Gawn’s role is still an emerging one in the ruck for Melbourne.

But the giant made good strides in 2013, given he missed the entire 2012 with a knee injury.

His role will continue to emerge under new coach Paul Roos, but one important aspect to his overall game – and persona – is his sense of fun and humour.

In an oft-sterile AFL environment, the likes of Gawn still play an important role among their teammates. His personality, which has drawn somewhat of a cult following via the likes of ‘Gawn in 60 seconds’ on Dee TV, remains critical to the team culture.

In a trying 2013, Gawn recognised the importance of picking his teammates up, with times often being extremely tough.

“The boys were always down on Monday or Tuesday and there were about three or four of us -  it was our role to get them up on that Monday or Tuesday,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“The good thing about footy is that you’ve got another game seven days later and you can’t go out there and sook about last week, you’ve got to go out there and play another game.

“I understand my role and even when I have bad games, I know I’ve got to be up and about on Monday. I can just go into a Monday and [bring some life to the group]. It’s not just me – there’s a few who get the boys up – but I reckon it’s a vital role in a footy club and I don’t think it’ll die.”

Gawn said there was still room for personalities in the game, even though the game continues to become more scrutinised by the year.

“Everyone seems to think it’s getting more and more robot … there are some guys who are real serious and when they lose, they’re serious,” he said.

“I think it’s really vital that the AFL in the next few years – and especially at the Dees – try and keep some fun, because it gets you up.”