Evolving your game isn't always forged out on the field, but in the quiet moments when you put pen to paper.

For Richmond'd Sam Banks, he has found that journaling and taking notes has helped him execute clearly when the moment arrives on gameday. 

“I brought it in a couple of years ago,” Banks told SEN about his journaling on match day.

“I just like writing down stoppage structures and stuff along those lines.

“I play a couple of different positions, so I just want to be all over that, so when it comes time, I don’t want to be mucking around out there, and I want to know what’s going on.”

Banks has enjoyed a strong start to the season, averaging 20 disposals, four marks, and 356 meters gained.

The 23-year-old has taken on various roles for his team, operating across the wing and off the half-back line, but it’s in defence where he feels most comfortable.

“I like playing the half-back. I feel most comfortable down there, but I’m playing a little bit of wing at the moment as well, so I’m happy to do whatever we need, but I love playing down back,” Banks said.  

Despite Richmond’s injury woes, Banks remains confident in the 'next man up' mentality and is excited for his younger teammates to seize their opportunity to prove themselves at the elite level.

“Unfortunately, we copped a few (injuries) in the last few weeks, who were a few of the big boys, which was annoying, but the mood around the group hasn’t changed,” he said.

“We look at it as a bit of a chance for some young boys to get some good opportunity at the highest level.

“Liam Fawcett came in last week and played a really good role for us, and big Ollie Hayes-Brown gets his opportunity this week.”

With the Gather Round clash against the Giants just days away, Banks said he looks forward to getting to the Barossa and soaking up what the weekend has to offer.

“I really like it. I have a few good mates that play in the SANFL, so it’s a good chance to catch up with those boys,” Banks said on the Gather Round weekend.

“I think just to be able to get around to a few Auskick clinics is awesome, and then you run into a few different teams. I think we are actually staying in the same hotel as GWS, so something different.

“I’ve loved it every time I’ve been able to go over.”