ALEX Fasolo is learning to appreciate the efforts of his teammates as he matures into a regular senior player for Collingwood in 2015. 

In a week Magpies coach Nathan Buckley declared that his side needed to show more 'public displays of affection' when celebrating goals, Fasolo said he had started to understand the importance of supporting his teammates in that manner. 

"Bucks (coach Nathan Buckley) and I have had some long conversations about the whole concept of giving to my teammates and staying in the moment," Fasolo told AFL.com.au ahead of Saturday's match against West Coast. 

"That's benefitted my game a great deal and I've enjoyed my footy even more this year." 

That Fasolo has been able to string together seven games in a row has also contributed to his enjoyment levels. 

The 23-year-old was dropped after round two and spent five weeks in the VFL honing the defensive side of his game. 

"Early days my form was a bit off. I swallowed that pill, went down to the VFL and did my thing," Fasolo said. 

"I've really enjoyed the last six or seven weeks and I think my game is definitely trending in the right direction."

Fasolo has kicked 11 goals on return to the senior side, adding class and general goal sense to a forwardline that has been criticised for its inaccuracy.

Although Fasolo – who has now played 61 games in five seasons for the Pies – has been renowned for his reputation as a sharpshooter in front of goal, Buckley has stressed to him the importance of bringing constant defensive pressure.

"The defensive side of my game has always been something I've needed to work on and staying engaged throughout a whole game," Fasolo said.

"The offensive side of my game does come more naturally to me so it's good that I can tinker with the defensive side of things." 

It helps, too, that Fasolo has been able to get out onto the park regularly this season. 

Injuries have stalled his promising career with a foot fracture keeping him to just three games in 2013. He managed 12 matches last year with the persistent foot issue and a hamstring problem preventing him from finding his best form.

There was one positive that came out of the 2014 season, with the young Magpie learning the ropes in a stint in defence.

Fasolo thinks the change in role – made necessary by a deficiency for small backmen on Collingwood's list – has made him a more rounded player.

"The best thing was the new perspective on the game and learning about how to be more accountable," Fasolo said. 

"I feel like I've got a greater knowledge of how our team works and how the game unfolds."