After playing four games in his first two seasons on Melbourne's list, Warnock's breakout year came in 2008 when he finished fourth in the best and fairest in a team that finished on the bottom of the ladder.
But as the Demons have slowly risen, Warnock has found it harder to hold down his spot in the back half.
The improvement of James Frawley and Colin Garland and a healthy Jared Rivers has made 'key defender' a highly sought-after title at Melbourne.
Warnock lost his place in the Melbourne side last year and played eight of the last nine weeks of 2010 for VFL team Casey as he desperately tried to win back his spot.
He watched on for the first five games of 2011 before he finally earned a call-up following the loss to West Coast and an ankle injury to Rivers.
Warnock says he has noticed the improvement among his peers in recent times.
"I guess it is a good indication. I think the back line as a group has all improved," Warnock said.
"We've spent a fair bit of time together there in the last few years, working together really closely to help each other out."
The 27-year-old admits some irritation at having to wait before he could don Melbourne colours for the first time this season.
"It was a frustrating start to the year not being able to get in there for the first weeks. I've just been trying to focus on all the things I can control. It's easy to say that but that's all I could do, try to play good footy down at Casey."
Warnock has made the most of his latest opportunity, featuring in the best for Melbourne in both his senior games so far.
With Rivers yet to return and Garland ruled out for another six weeks with his own ankle injury, Warnock's importance to the side is greater than ever.
He knows how stiff the competition is for spots in the back half and admits to dropping a few subtle hints along the way about trying his hand in other posts.
"I think I'm best suited as a defender but I made a few little hints to Gotchy (Casey coach Brad Gotch) to throw me up forward when I was playing in the VFL as a lot of people do," he said.
"But I haven't sat down with the coaches and had a serious chat about playing anywhere else."
Warnock's demotion to the VFL last year coincided with his brother Robert's elevation to Carlton's senior team after spending the middle part of the year with the Northern Bullants.
Warnock says he regularly swaps hints and tips with his younger brother when they're sitting on the couch at their Port Melbourne home.
"There are some things we share about different teams. But there are things we keep to ourselves with the two teams we play for. I guess living together there are things you speak about when you are watching footy," he said.
"He's going well at the moment which is great. This year was the first pre-season he's done in four or five years. That's made a real difference for him. He's enjoying his footy at the moment. He's happy to be out there and playing his part."
Luke Holmesby covers Melbourne news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_LHolmesby
