“IT’S BEEN so much fun.”

It was back in Round 1 of the home-and-away season where, perhaps unexpectedly, Mitch McGovern made a return to the forward line.

Playing the first game of the season down back, McGovern was back in attack come the opening siren at the MCG against Richmond, kicking two goals in the opening 15 minutes.

Fast forward to July, and McGovern’s haul of 26 goals is his second-most of his career so far and best return in Navy Blue.

Speaking to Carlton Media this week ahead of a return clash with Collingwood, McGovern said he’s loved the chance to return to the attacking part of the ground - albeit with ventures down back when his team needs it.

“Back forward, back back,” McGovern said.

“It’s been good, a challenge at times playing both roles in-game when I need. [But] it’s been so much fun, revisiting the past and your craft and what you did four or five years ago.

“It’s been really good, and to get the results we have been over the last eight weeks has been very rewarding.”

McGovern and the Blues will be hoping that last week’s disappointing loss to Hawthorn was a one-week blip, as they’ll look to overturn recent form against the old enemy this Saturday night.

For the experienced swingman, he’s immediately noticed the difference in Patrick Cripps this week, who he claims is “definitely one that loves the match-up with the Pies”.

As for the energy around IKON Park as a whole and more specifically in the forward line, McGovern said that a pair of young Blues were embodying what’s making it so fun to pull on the jumper each week.

“The likes of Talor [Byrne] and Jack Ison, their pressure and their hunt and what they’re bringing off the ball when they don’t have the footy, it’s pretty special. I’ve been around for a little bit now, but the energy they bring as 18-year-olds with fresh eyes - it’s awesome to see.

“Talor in particular, his ground-level hunt and the way he gets after the opposition is infectious for us as a forward group.”