NEW HAWTHORN ruckman Broc McCauley says he thought about retiring as he struggled for opportunities with the Brisbane Lions last year.

The 202cm big man was an important contributor in the Hawks' 22-point win over Collingwood on Friday night, his first game in brown and gold.

But the positive outlook he is now enjoying was far different during a difficult 2011.

A stockbroker before being recruited by the Lions as a 22-year-old, McCauley took a pay cut to pursue his AFL dream.

After playing three senior matches early last season - his second with the club - the Queenslander found himself on the outer with Lions selectors.

"I found the second half of last year at Brisbane pretty tough, because I didn't get another opportunity," McCauley told afl.com.au days after his 21-hitout, 14-disposal, four-mark and one-goal performance against the Magpies.

"I was actually thinking at one stage about throwing it in and giving up footy altogether, because if you're not playing regular senior footy, financially it's pretty tough, compared to if I was working in the financial services industry.

"But I guess at the end of the day I thought that I can only play footy until I'm 30 or 31, and I can work in an office for the rest of my life.

"I'm sure there would be a lot of people out there that would give up their day job on the spot for a chance to play AFL footy."

Fortunately for the Hawks, that rationale held up after McCauley was delisted by the Lions at the end of last season.

He was offered a spot on the Hawthorn rookie list, and has been thrust straight into senior action following fellow ruckman Max Bailey's recent wrist injury.

Despite his promising start, the 25-year-old isn't yet prepared to declare himself a contender for the No. 1 ruck mantle beyond Bailey's return.

"I think every ruckman at the club will always strive to get that No. 1 spot, but I've still got a lot of work to do," he said.

"I think Max has earned the respect and trust of the team to have that number one mantle, so in the short term I just want to play my role for the team, keep building respect from our midfielders and the team, and win as many games as possible."

McCauley said he felt for Bailey, whose latest setback came when his career was finally gaining momentum after three knee reconstructions in five years.

"It's very unfortunate for Max," McCauley said.

"I've got a lot of respect for him. He's had a tough time with his knees, and he really had a few good games there last year, and I think he's still got a breakout year coming.

"But I just really want to fill the void until he's back, and assist the team in reaching our goals this year."

McCauley's Hawthorn debut was far from a gentle introduction, pitted against star Magpie Darren Jolly in front of nearly 80,000 fans.

Having held his own in the hit-outs and made an impact around the ground with some strong contested marking, the former Lion could be pleased with his efforts.

"It was an extremely intense game," he said.

"For a first game, to be playing against Jolly, I've got a lot of respect for him as a ruckman, so it was a really good challenge.

"He has quite an attacking mindset; he kicks a lot of goals for a ruckman, so me and David Hale were just trying to quell his impact on the game and take him off the scoreboard if we could."

Broc McCauley is a $219,300 ruckman in Toyota AFL Dream Team. Register your team here.

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