The glare of the football spotlight is not something Jacob Townsend feels comfortable with.

Given the fact, however, he’s kicked 13 goals in only three senior games with Richmond this season, and played an important role in propelling the Tigers into the preliminary final, it’s an unavoidable part of his football life right now.

“I don’t really like it . . . “I’ve come from playing ‘twos’ and no-one really knowing my name, or story, or anything, to it being publicised a bit,” Townsend said on SEN.

“I pinch myself a bit, because about three or four weeks ago, I wasn’t sure what I’d be doing, or if I’d be playing AFL footy again. 

So I’m pretty happy to be up there playing back in the side.”

Townsend, who early this week won the VFL’s best and fairest award, the Liston Trophy, following his dominant midfield form throughout the season, revealed how he had planted the seed among the Richmond coaches for a switch to the forward line.

“I put my hand up, probably halfway through the year, and said I can play that key-forward target down the line . . . They said it’s a bit of a short-term fix,” he declared.

“I’m just happy to be playing ‘ones’ . . . If they give me a tagging role, or to play on someone, I’ll be pleased to do it. 

“I just go out there, and it hasn’t really put much pressure on me . . .

“The goals have just come off trying to go to my opponent and trying to stop their influence.  And, fortunate enough, I’ve been able to kick some goals.”

Townsend’s renowned on-field toughness is a result of his original sporting love as a junior.

“I grew up playing rugby union . . . I think that’s where it’s come from (his toughness) . . . I started when I was about eight, all the way through to about 12,” he said.

 “I’ve always enjoyed that side of that code.  And then came a change of codes . . .

“No-one really put the pressure on, and I liked to tackle people as hard as I do. 

“So I tried to transfer that over, and it’s been all right for me.”