IN LAST year’s semi final, Alex Cincotta had the role on Kozzie Pickett.

And he was doing it well. The Melbourne danger man was restricted to just six disposals in the first half — Cincotta had his number in the opening two quarters.

But then everything turned. Pickett looked to be Melbourne’s answer to everything Carlton threw at them, kicking back-to-back goals and looking dangerous at every turn as the Dees threatened to knock the Blues out of September action.

Returning for a return clash with one of the competition’s star small forwards, Cincotta once again performed a first-half shutout on Pickett, having just one disposal to half time.

The match-up could’ve followed a similar script to that famous night last September for Cincotta, when Pickett goaled inside the opening minutes of the first half on Thursday night.

But on this occasion, Cincotta - who returned to the Carlton senior line-up against Collingwood - wasn’t to be denied.

“I learned a lot from that semi final,” Cincotta told Carlton Media post-match.

“He’s a great player. He’s very dangerous, can turn a game on its head within 30 seconds.”

Cincotta ended up restricting Pickett to just the nine disposals and three score involvements, with a rundown tackle in the third quarter typifying his commitment to the cause.

While Cincotta only had the 10 disposals himself, he didn’t need any more: he know exactly what his role was, and he did it accordingly.

“I just want to be able to play my role and contribute to the four points. Having those lockdown roles is really important,” he said.

“It helps release guys like ‘Newy’, ‘Gov’ and ‘Boydy’, they can get up the ground a bit more and I can play that defensive role. I’m happy to do that for the team.

“It’s my second year, I feel more comfortable in front of those big crowds and those big moments. I know my role and I feel like I can execute it.”