[1] The centre half-forward's role is usually one of the most demanding of any player on the field, with a tall frame, strength, and—most importantly, athleticism—required.
If a team in the AFL played without a reliable centre half-forward, then they would often struggle to win games or make an impact on the competition.
[citation needed] Great centre half-forwards have the ability to turn games on their head and practically win a match single-handedly for their team.
Centre half-forwards frequently line up shots on goal from about 50 metres out, often as wide as the boundary.
The position is very strenuous, and players who specialise as centre half-forwards often have unnaturally shortened careers—Dermott Brereton is a good example of a great player whose career was probably shortened by a few years due to sustained injuries that made any kind of meaningful return to form insurmountable.