“SKILL, sidestep and speed.”

They’re the three hallmarks of Zac Fisher’s game, according to development coach Brent Stanton.

And they’re three attributes which have come to the fore already in 2019.

After 17 games in 2018, Fisher was enjoying a solid second season before injury cut it short. Now back to full fitness, it hasn’t taken long for the ‘slippery Fish’ to hit his stride in the middle. 

More than anything, Stanton puts that down to Fisher’s propensity to work.

“It’s off the back of some really hard work over the last 18 months. He’s dedicated to what he wants to get out of his football,” Stanton said on Carlton Coaches’ Corner.

“He puts in a lot of hard work. You’re going to see this kid grow very quickly.”

Belying his stature, Fisher’s numbers so far this season shows his progression: averaging nearly 22 disposals a game, he’s yet to drop below 19 possessions this year.

When compared to his counterparts across the competition, the stats are even more impressive. Fisher ranks second in the competition for contested possessions, tackles and clearances of players aged between 18-20.

Stanton believed it was Fisher’s ability to work in the contested space which he can continue to build his game off.

“You can see his ability to win the ball in traffic with his technique, but then there’s also his ability to find teammates in congestion,” he said.

“His sidestep is really exciting for the group. With that left foot, he has the ability to hit short targets and long targets.

“I think he proves to all fans that there is something special going forward here.”

When you combine Fisher with his midfield contemporaries of Sam Petrevski-Seton, Paddy Dow and Sam Walsh, Carlton’s nucleus is there for all to see. 

That’s not even to mention his partnership with as the other half of ‘Fish and Cripps’.

Stanton envisaged that Fisher — who has spent time in both the midfield and forward lines this season — will continue to play multiple roles for the Blues.

“He’s going to be playing forward, so we can rotate more through the midfield,” he said.

“When he does go into the middle, he’s going to have more energy. 

“He’s trying to hit the scoreboard with goals in four of his last six games. He’s starting to adapt to each role and it’s exciting for the team.”