Jamie Macmillan has taken his game to a new level in 2016, but it’s not just on the field he’s gaining recognition.

While the demands on a professional athlete are huge, Macmillan has managed to juggle an AFL career with his studies.

His work off the field has been so impressive, the 24-year-old was awarded The Education and Training Excellence Award at the AFL Players MVP Awards on Tuesday night.

Macmillan completes his studies at University of Melbourne, completing a Bachelor of Commerce, while also working with the Dandenong Basketball Stadium and Ladder.

He plans to finalise his degree by the end of next year.

“I’ve really enjoyed the studies because they’ve taken my mind off footy, which can be exactly what you need at times,” Macmillan told Aflplayers.com.au.

“I started with one subject and then went to two. I eventually just found the best way to balance it out.

“I always pick a subject where I know that I can attend the tutes because I have to be there for 80 per cent of the classes.

“Microeconomics has been one of the most challenging units I’ve completed to date.”

Macmillan said North had shown great support as he balances his work and studies.

“The footy club has really helped and is fine for me to miss the odd thing so that I can attend (classes),” he said.

“Scotty (Brad Scott) has always been pretty flexible.”

Macmillan is on target to reach First Class Honours, while also improving his awareness in other roles; he and teammate Shaun Atley work with Graham Allen, CEO of Dandenong Basketball Stadium.

“I did a couple of work placements at the Commonwealth Bank which helped given I’m studying commerce and finance. That has helped me to touch on the economics and finance side of things, so the opportunity came up to work in the sports administration side of things with Dandenong Basketball Stadium,” Macmillan said.

“Graham has allowed us to come out there a few times over the last month.

“They’re a massive organisation with all of the courts they have and the events they run. Around 10,000 people go through that stadium on a Saturday, plus they’re organising SEABL basketball teams and WNBL as well.”

A member of North’s leadership group, Macmillan also acts as the club’s AFL Players’ Association delegate.

That opportunity has seen him teamed up with the AFLPA’s charity partner, Ladder.

“Ben Mabon (former North player) runs a couple of programs with Ladder out in Glen Waverley and Broadmeadows, so I’ve gone out there with him to help out in any way I can,” Macmillan added.

“It’s been good to get out there and do something different. You really can take playing footy for granted a little bit. You wake up, go to training, get paid and go home.

“You go out and see other people who are just as happy, but they’re living in different circumstances and face their own challenges.

“We’ve gone out and taken PT sessions, played chess with them and just spent some time with everyone.”