MATTHEW Scharenberg gets asked the question a lot. His answer doesn't change.
Because Scharenberg, 17, is able to play in a number of positions, everyone wants to know where the South Australian draft prospect wants to play, and where he thinks he plays best.
But does it matter? Scharenberg is 190cm, a good mark, cuts through the lines, and kicks the ball with efficiency and depth. Wherever he plays, he generally plays well, although recruiters do wonder where he will settle down.
"I do get asked my preferred position," Scharenberg told AFL.com.au's Prime Prospects series.
"I'm really enjoying playing down back at the moment, but I got the opportunity to play in the midfield through the trial games [for South Australia] and that was a good learning experience.
"I'm happy to go with it and do whatever suits the team. I played most of my junior footy as a forward and enjoyed kicking a few goals every now and then, but I'm really enjoying my role in the side at the moment."
That side was South Australia and that role was across half-back, where Scharenberg impressed through the recent NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
Scharenberg was a key player in his state claiming its first under-18 title, averaging 21 disposals across the five games and sharing the most valuable player award with midfielder Luke Dunstan.
He was also runner-up in the Larke Medal for the best player in division one.
From Glenelg, Scharenberg is widely viewed by recruiters as a top-five selection and a player who can move seamlessly into an AFL pre-season and be ready for what is to come.
"It is a dream to be drafted and, along with that, there is some aspects out of my control," Scharenberg said.
"I just think it's a great opportunity to play the sport you love at an elite level. That really appeals to me. I'm sure there are plenty of challenges that come along the way and I also find that pretty appealing as well. I'd love to be there."
Callum Twomey is a reporter for the AFL website. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.
