DEFENDER Matthew Warnock says he was rapt to play his first match for the season, after watching on in the first six rounds this year.

Warnock has been an emergency four times this year, but gained a call-up for injured vice-captain Jared Rivers (ankle), who missed the 96-point win over Adelaide Crows at the MCG.

“It’s been pretty frustrating not playing so far this season,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“As much as it’s been frustrating not playing, I’ve been trying to focus on what I can control.

“But I got my chance to today, which was great.”

The miserly defender has been in top form for Casey in the VFL and performed well against an in-form Kurt Tippett, who managed three goals. Some of Warnock’s spoils were a feature of his game.

“I’m feeling really good with my form and how I’ve been playing,” he said.

“It’s just great to be part of a great win, because we haven’t had many of them in the past few years and it’s fantastic.

“Hopefully we can have a few more throughout the rest of the year.”

Warnock, who played his 52^nd AFL match against the Crows, said he needs to keep doing his job each week to remain in the 22.

“I’ve just got to play my role and do my job on the forwards,” he said.

“That’s the most important thing.

“I’ve just to get involved when I can.”