Brisbane midfielder Mitch Robinson is aggressive to the point of going too far but it's what makes him so valuable as a footballer, according to Lions coach Chris Fagan.
While Fagan admits Robinson's tendency to give away free kicks can drive him up the wall at times, the good outweighs the bad with the 29-year-old.
The energy, leadership and drive Robinson provides is a key reason why the Lions have soared to a 5-2 start this AFL season and fourth on the ladder.
"He brings his best effort every time he plays," Fagan said.
"Sometimes he gets a little bit angry and does things that can frustrate coaches but by and large he does a lot more good than harm and he's working on his self-control in certain situations.
"In terms of a competitor, he's just what we want and need ... at training him and Dayne Zorko they're the energiser guys; they're always up and about.
"It brings good spirit to your footy club and they're gold, those sorts of guys."
Robinson made a season-high nine tackles in Brisbane's win over Sydney last weekend and his competitiveness will be key for the Lions when they head to Ballarat on Saturday to take on the Western Bulldogs.
Premiership-winning midfielders Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Tom Liberatore have all been highlighted by Fagan as players to stop on Saturday.
Bontempelli has been in particularly hot form and played a starring role in last weekend's 47-point win over Richmond with 27 disposals and three goals.
"He's leading the coaches' association vote which is a pretty good reflection of somebody that's in form," Fagan said.
"We've been backing our midfield in pretty much against all-comers this year.
"We obviously have a lot of respect for him and will try and reduce his influence on the game but, again, he's one of a number of good midfielders that they've got.
"Macrae, Liberatore, (Mitch) Wallis - they run pretty deep in there so our guys are going to have to be on the job and really hunting in to win the footy themselves."
