Essendon assistant coach Nathan Bassett believes Jason Winderlich’s move to the half back line could lengthen his career.

Winderlich has played most of his football predominantly through the forward line, yet Bassett thinks the new role in defence will add longevity to the 29-year-old’s career.

“I think it helps him physically, he can get a little more uncontested ball but doesn’t have to turn around and run at the high speeds that he has to as a forward,” Bassett said.

“Hopefully it means he can play more weeks than he would have as a forward.”

Winderlich has missed a lot of football, playing just 121 games over 11 seasons with the club, suffering several injury setbacks over the journey.

A recently depleted backline paved the way for the former first round draft pick to fill the void as the skilful running defender.

“Having Winderlich back the last couple of weeks has certainly improved our defence. He leads the guys particularly well and helps them get organised,” Bassett said.

The former Adelaide defender, said he knows how a quality defence functions playing 210 games down back for the Crows, and thinks Winderlich slots in perfectly.

“His communication skills and his understanding of the game are excellent.”

“It’s a bit of a quiet defensive group (at Essendon), and myself being part of defensive groups in the past, the best one’s are quite vocal. To have that voice added to the defensive group certainly helps us.”

Essendon is expected to be bolstered by the return of another crafty running defender in Michael Hibberd for Sunday’s match against the Western Bulldogs, however Bassett can see Winderlich holding his form as a defender.

“I think initially it might have been, but it might best suit the team.”