Hugh McCluggage concedes the Brisbane Lions face a challenge to best exploit their embarrassment of midfield riches but is confident his numbers won't continue to suffer because of it.
The classy 25-year-old is regarded as something of a 'Rolls-Royce' at the Lions thanks to his smooth delivery, particularly by foot.
But McCluggage admits a bit of polish is required, with his kick efficiency down from 56.6 per cent in 2022 to 43.9 per cent across this season's first four rounds.
His disposal efficiency has also declined, from 68.9 per cent to 58.7, while he is touching (18.8 disposals compared to 24.7) and kicking (14.2 to 10) the ball less too.
"It's probably not where I want it to be entirely," McCluggage said of his form ahead of Saturday's Adelaide Hills date with North Melbourne in Mount Barker as part of Gather Round.
"Like the team, there's been patches where it's solid but my ball use can improve a little bit, making sure I have that composure and impact with possessions I get," he said.
"I don't think I'm where I want to be entirely but there's improvement in me and the team and we want to keep getting better as the year goes on."
McCluggage has spent more time on the wing to accommodate star midfield recruit Josh Dunkley and draftee Will Ashcroft, who have become instant cogs in a side with premiership aspirations.
"It's definitely a thing," McCluggage said when asked how challenging it was to best utilise their new talent.
"When you add two amazing midfielders into the mix, and they're playing large minutes in there, you've got to work out what they do, what they like to do, how they use their hands, where they run.
"But we're getting a really good contribution from everyone.
"And you saw on the weekend (beating Collingwood), no one had a really massive game (15 Lions had between 14 and 26 disposals), but everyone did their bit."
Defender Daniel Rich (quad) trained fully at Tuesday's open session at Springfield and should be available to face the Kangaroos, creating a selection squeeze for coach Chris Fagan.
Fellow defender Darcy Gardiner (ankle, shoulder) is also fit and likely to return through the Lions' VFL outfit.
