IN his 39 games of AFL football, Sunday ranks as the most enjoyable from Zac Fisher.
The slippery midfielder picked up 28 disposals, kicked a goal and played a starring role as Carlton recorded a 44-point victory over the Western Bulldogs.
One of a number of on-ballers who stood up to the task, the third-year Blue was hopeful the victory could kickstart season 2019.
That success largely stemmed from players like Fisher, Sam Petrevski-Seton and Sam Walsh having big influences in the middle.
“As a midfield group, we want to take more of the role off ‘Crippa’,” Fisher said on the Matt Clape edition of the Two Tones.
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“On the weekend, what was really good was there were a lot of guys in that second, third or fourth year who had really consistent games.
“Sometimes it’d be guys like Samo and ‘Walshy’ having good games while there’d be another few that wouldn’t.”
With 17 games in each of his first two seasons, Fisher has played the first five games of the year and has been somewhat of a quiet achiever in Navy Blue.
While Sunday was undoubtedly his best of the season and one of the best of his career, he is tracking very favourably among the elite young midfielders of the competition.
Of those aged under-21, Fisher features in the top five for disposals (fourth), contested possessions (second), clearances (second) and tackles (fourth).
That's one slippery Fish...
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Fisher said that ability to stay involved in the contest against bigger bodies was something which he prides himself on — and it’s always a work in progress.
“I’m happy with how I performed. I try and base my own game on contested possessions,” he said.
“It keeps me in games and when I’m not getting uncontested ball, I won’t have as big an inconsistency with my game.”
As will be the case for so many emerging Blues in coming seasons, Fisher’s belief that he belongs at the elite level is strengthening by the week.
“We’re growing. I’m coming into my third year, 39 games in and I’m growing more confident each game,” he said.
“Momentum is massive in football. To get the first win, hopefully this momentum can carry us as a group.
“Samo Petrevski-Seton had his breakout game on the weekend and he wants that to be the standard.”
To listen to Fisher's full chat and the complete episode, listen to the audio embedded above.