Carlton rookie Fraser Russell is enjoying the responsibility and opportunity of playing in a number of roles for the Northern Blues this season.

Making a name for himself at VFL competition for having a knack of appearing on the scoresheet each game, Russell has performed a multitude of roles since his debut late last year.

Having played his first game in Round 17 last year against Casey, Russell has been granted more time up forward this season and has performed his role to date with aplomb.

“I’m loving the varying roles: it’s good to mix it up a little bit and to not be stuck and pigeon-holed to the one spot,” Russell said.

A Category B rookie, Russell played the last four games for the Northern Blues last year, reverting back to football after pursuing a career as an elite runner.

Speaking after the comprehensive loss to Footscray on the weekend, Russell said that he was enjoying the task of being given different roles by the week.

“I’m really enjoying the challenges that ‘Webby’ and the coaching staff are throwing at me,” Russell said.

“Hopefully I can continue to improve - it’s been a fantastic experience so far.”

Russell has kicked nine goals from 11 games this season: an impressive return given he has mixed his role up forward with stints in the midfield and playing his four games last year off half-back.

The circumstances didn’t make it easy for Russell and his teammates up forward, with the Blues only mustering 29 inside-50s for the game as they went down to the Dogs by 103 points.

“I think it was our ball movement and intent at the footy at times [that went wrong]: we didn’t move the ball how we wanted and that cost us heavily,” Russell said.

“The end result showed that they were all over us, and after the performance last week it’s all the more disappointing.”

Russell went on to have 12 disposals and kicked a goal in the Blues’ devastating loss to the reigning premier on the weekend, and stressed the need to respond against Richmond this weekend.

Given the considerable percentage hit they took on the weekend, a victory against the 12th-placed Tigers is non-negotiable if the Blues wish to make a finals charge.

“We need to show that the Footscray game was just a once-off performance, [we must] come out next week and really get stuck into Richmond,” Russell said.

“All the boys are really keen to get out there this weekend and prove something to the competition.”

The Northern Blues host Richmond on Saturday at Preston City Oval from 12:12pm. Supporters will have the chance to watch the action on TV, with the Blues featuring on 7 Sport’s VFL coverage for the first time this year.