LEWIS Jetta's life has been turned upside down ever since he was drafted by the Sydney Swans in 2009.
The West Australian had to adapt to living in Sydney, he had to totally alter his approach to football and he also had to get his head around becoming a father.
But this year, everything is falling perfectly into place.
Blessed with natural speed, Jetta had to learn how to chase, pressure and tackle for him to earn a regular spot in the Swans' line-up.
Used as a substitute throughout 2011, he set himself for a huge pre-season and it has led to a brilliant start to this year with the undefeated Swans.
The man who famously began his career with 19 behinds is leading the club's goalkicking, with an excellent 12.4 from five games, and he has improved enormously in his pressure skills.
"I did a lot of extra work in the off-season and it's helped so much, compared to the first two years I was here," Jetta told sydneyswans.com.au.
"The first year I was just happy to get drafted and play games. The second year there were some unexpected things, like having a baby.
"That was a challenge and I had to find a balance between playing AFL footy and being a young father.
"Now this year is just going smoothly."
Swans coach John Longmire has been impressed with the transformation.
"He did a lot of work on his game over the summer months," Longmire said.
"He worked on his contested ball, and his chase and tackle, and that lays the foundation for him to have a really good game and leads to kicking goals."
It's now almost two years since his partner Jess told Jetta he was going to be a father.
It came as quite a shock to Jetta, who had always wanted to be a dad, but had just turned 21 and was trying to adjust to his first season in the AFL.
"I couldn't believe it," he said. "When my missus first told me I literally jumped on my bike and went for a ride. I didn't know what to do.
"It was a good feeling, but it was a shock as well. I told my flatmate Campbell Heath, went for a ride, and when I got back he calmed me down a bit."
Lewis junior arrived on Boxing Day 2010 and led to another major adjustment period for Jetta and his family.
"Just the sleeping patterns. I struggled for sleep myself and he was struggling to get sleep as well," he said.
"But we finally found that balance during the pre-season. Now he's sleeping and I'm sleeping and it's great."
In past years, when Jetta would take off for one of his trademark runs down the wing, he would then be exhausted. His intense pre-season means he can now sprint back into position.
"My tank has got bigger," he said. "I'm not on my hands and knees anymore."
Against North Melbourne in round four, he finished with 13 disposals and three goals, playing a huge part in a victory which Swans great Michael O'Loughlin felt did wonders for Jetta's confidence.
"It was probably his break out game, " O'Loughlin said.
"To see him play so well was brilliant. I reckon he's starting to work out the consistency level that's required."
Jetta and Gary Rohan arrived at the club in the same year. Both had been making similar progress before Rohan suffered his terrible broken leg against the Kangaroos.
Considered the two fastest players at the club, Jetta says there is one other Swan who might have them covered - at least over a short distance.
"Gaz and I have never had a race, but I'd say Goodesy's got us both covered over 20m," he said.
"The old guy is still pretty quick."
James Dampney covers Sydney AFL news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the AFL or the clubs
