While the demands of playing almost an entire full season of AFL football would place a toll on most first-year players, Connor Macdonald continues to thrive at the challenge. 

The young Hawk has played 18 games so far in his first season, producing a promising rookie campaign as coach Sam Mitchell leads one of the youngest sides in the competition this year.

Speaking on RSN Breakfast Club on Tuesday, Macdonald said he was taking every week as a new chance to adapt to the demands of AFL football.

"I've been getting a lot of opportunities in my first year and Sam's been really good in blooding the youth and giving them a go and making sure we are making little improvements every week," Macdonald said.

"We definitely know where we are and what journey we are on and I'm just looking forward to continuing to keep playing and developing as both a player and person."

Macdonald, who was a second-round selection from last year's National Draft at Pick 26, has pressed his case as a mainstay in Hawthorn's best 22 in season 2022.

Fresh off a game where he played alongside all of his fellow three 2021 national draftees for the first time, Macdonald said he is thrilled to be in the position that he is.

"I think us boys were so deprived of footy that we were so keen to get into it and play some games. Over the last two years with COVID-19, I'd probably only put together 15 games," he said.

"Then I came to Hawthorn really eager and keen to play and just continue to learn and grow as a football player.

"I think most of the draftees this year have just jumped at the opportunity and ultimately it has been really good for everyone's development across the league."

The 19-year-old has split his duties across the midfield and forward across his 18 games this year. 

While the balance is something he is still getting used to, the role is already showing a benefit, with the youngster having booted nine goals so far this season.

"I've enjoyed learning the new forward role, predominately as a youngster and coming through the ranks I was a midfielder and played a little bit of time down forward, but this year I've loved playing that high half-forward role," he said.

"I think my work rate and intensity really helps me play that role, adding that versatility to my game has been great."

Macdonald has enjoyed leaning on young Hawks James Worpel and Dylan Moore who have both taken him under their wing since he step foot into the club.

"In the first few weeks we got at the club, me and another first year player Josh Ward got aligned with James Worpel as our leader and mentor," Macdonald said.

"He has been really good this year with showing us the ropes and ultimately showing us how professional we need to be in this AFL environment.

"The likes of Will Day and Dylan Moore have also been really good in supporting me in my first year and guiding me."

Despite being at the pointy end of the season, Macdonald said he still can't believe he gets to run out on the field every weekend with 22 of his best mates.

"Being a professional athlete is all I've dreamed of and it's what I expected it to be, so I'm very happy with where I am and how the week-to-week looks like," Macdonald said.

"It's pretty awesome that I wake up, go to the club and and kick a footy as my job."

With just two games left of the season, a Rising Star nomination could be the next step for Macdonald, who would join the likes of teammates Jai Newcombe and Josh Ward among the nominees this year.

"I'll just keep having another crack each week, I'm not expecting anything at all," Macdonald said.

"I'm just happy to be playing and putting my best foot forward, if I do get a Rising Star it'll be a cherry on top."