COLEMAN Medal leader Lance Franklin says he has become more of a team player this season under the tutelage of Hawthorn forwards coach Leon Cameron.

Franklin has booted 66 goals, eight clear of Collingwood's Travis Cloke and Richmond's Jack Riewoldt in the race for the AFL goal-kicking award.

But the star Hawk has also been credited with 15 goal assists, ranked fourth at his club, and says the influence of Cameron, who arrived at Hawthorn at the end of 2010 and is favoured to win the vacant Western Bulldogs senior coaching position, had been critical to his development in that area.

"It's been three years since the 2008 Grand Final, and I think I've improved a little bit since then," Franklin said at Waverley Park on Monday.

"I think every year I've taken a step forward in the way that I play and Leon Cameron has been a big part of that, too.

"He's come to the club and he's been great with my progress as a player, and taught me a lot along the way.

"(He's taught me to be) a lot more of a team player; that's been my main focus this year.

"I'm not saying I wasn't, but that's been something that he's brought to my game this year, and I've really enjoyed having him here."

Franklin also deflected credit for the third-placed Hawks' success in 2011 from himself to his teammates further afield.

"The game's won in the midfield, not just by goals kicked," the 24 year-old said.

"If you get the ball out and win enough of the contested ball, you're going to win games of football."

With a top four spot now secure after Friday night's 12-point win over Carlton, Franklin was asked if he'd seek a week off leading into the finals.

The two-time All Australian was emphatic in his response.

"I don't want to be rested, and neither do many of our players," he said.

"I like playing footy and I like being out there every week.

"I'm physically good. I've missed two games this year, one through suspension and then an injury, so I think those two games I've missed have probably freshened me up a little bit.

"My body's holding up well."

Mark Macgugan writes for hawthornfc.com.au and covers Hawks news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mmacgugan